Introducing problem-based learning in physiology in the conventional Indian medical curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a widely acclaimed student-centred learning method. However, there are few reports of its use in the traditional lecture-practical-tutorial model of learning. We used PBL for teaching one module of Physiology to first-year medical undergraduate students who had no prior exposure to PBL. METHODS: One hundred first-year medical undergraduates enrolled in a medical college, which follows the traditional teaching-learning methods, participated in the exercise. The scheduled classes on 'Physiology of the thyroid gland' were converted into a PBL block to be covered over a week. An orientation of the teachers and students to PBL was done, clinical cases selected and tutor guides prepared before the actual PBL week. During the PBL week, students were exposed to small group discussions and Interactive resource sessions, and were given time for self-study. The PBL week concluded with a review session and evaluation of the PBL block using questionnaires. RESULTS: A comparison of the pre- and post-PBL questionnaire showed a clear preference for PBL over the conventional curriculum for the interactive resource sessions and group discussions. Both students and teachers found PBL rewarding. CONCLUSION: Implementation of PBL is feasible even in a traditional set-up despite limited resources, rigid time schedules and little interaction among various disciplines. We hope our experience would encourage other teachers to introduce appropriately modified PBL in their ongoing curriculum.

Status of pulmonary function tests in adolescent females of Delhi.

Progesterone is known to cause hyperventilation and hypercapnia in the luteal phase of a normal menstrual cycle. Viewing this fact lung functions were measured in 71 girls with a mean age of 14.5 years during their follicular and luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Subjects were grouped into I, II and III depending on the age range. Respiratory functions comprising of FVC, FIVC, TLC, RV/TLC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FRC, PEFR, FEF 25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75%, PIFR, RAW and KST respectively were performed using Spiro 232 of PK Morgan under standardized laboratory settings. The anthropometric parameters such as height, weight and arm span were also recorded. The majority of pulmonary functions reflect better values in luteal phase as compared with follicular phase however, a statistically significant higher results of FVC, FIVC, FEV1, and TLC were noticed in group I and group III. These observations suggest a possible role in increased level of progesterone in luteal phase on respiratory system.