Team based learning in pathology: effect on test scores and student satisfaction

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of team based learning [TBL] on student's test scores in comparison with didactic lectures. We also wanted to assess to the level of students satisfaction regarding TBL as a teaching methodology

Study Design: Quasi experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, University Medical and Dental College Faisalabad, from May to July 2013

Material and Methods: Fourth year undergraduate medical students attending Pathology course at University Medical and Dental College [UMDC], Faisalabad in year 2013 involved the portion of Haematology were divided into two halves. The first half [H-1] was covered in two TBL sessions of two hours and 15 minutes duration each

The second half [H-2] was covered in 8 lectures of 45 minutes duration each

After completion of the course, students took test comprising of problem based SEQs regarding Hematology. The test comprised of two segments with questions of equal difficulty, representing the two halves of the topic

Students scores in these two segments were compared by using paired sample t-test

The students were given a validated questionnaire. This data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20

Results: The test scores were highly significant [p=0.000] in TBL as compared to lecture group. In addition to positive significant relationship, majority of students also agreed that TBL motivated them to learn Pathology [71.72%], promoted better understanding of the subject matter [68.92%], helped to gain in depth knowledge of the subject [62.06%] and helped to remove misconceptions about the topic [65.51%]. Sixty two percent students preferred TBL to didactic lectures

Conclusion: Our study proved to have a significant impact of TBL on student test scores as compared to didactic lectures. Majority of the students were satisfied with TBL as a teaching methodology in Pathology and preferred it to didactic lectures

Comparison of efficacy and safety of topical glyceryl trinitrate vs. oral nifedipine in idiopathic perniosis: results of a randomized clinical trial

To compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of topical vasodilator glyceryl trinitrate [GTN] 0.4% cream, with systemic nifedipine [10-40mg/day] in patients with idiopathic perniosis [IP]. Patients with IP [n=65] were randomized into group A receiving GTN 0.4% cream [n=31] or group B receiving oral nifedipine, 10-40mg/day [n=34]. They were evaluated for improvement in signs and symptoms and any side effects, every 15 days for six weeks. Primary outcome was efficacy and secondary outcome was side effects. 53 patients completed the study protocol. Twenty-three out of 26 [88%] patients in group A whereas 21 out of 27 [77%] in group B had complete clearance of lesions in six weeks [p=0.52]. Clearance of lesions was achieved earlier [10.9 +/- 6 days] in group B as compared to [16.6 +/- 11.5 days] group A [p=0.05]. GTN 0.4% cream is an effective and safe alternative to oral nifedipine in the treatment of IP. Oral nifedipine leads to clearance of lesions earlier than GTN cream

Faculty perceptions about roles and functions of a department of medical education

To determine faculty's perceptions and expectations from Department of Medical Education [DME]. Mixed methods study [sequential exploratory design]. University Medical and Dental College [UMDC] and Punjab Medical College [PMC], Faisalabad, from March to May 2011. Faculty members teaching at PMC and UMDC were enrolled for semi-structured interviews with four senior faculty members [non-probability purposive sampling] in the qualitative phase to get in-depth information. After content analysis, themes were generated and a questionnaire with closed ended items was developed to validate the findings of the qualitative phase. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using this questionnaire. It was sent to all 250 working faculty members, out of whom 149 [60%] responded. The results of this survey were analyzed by descriptive analysis using SPSS version 17. The analyses of qualitative and quantitative phases were integrated in the final interpretation phase to draw a conclusion. In faculty members' opinion, functions of DME were faculty development [83%], interdepartmental collaboration [81%], research [77%], curriculum development [66%], career counselling [62%] and faculty evaluation [60%]. Development of DME was considered a positive change by 119 [80%] respondents. Majority of the faculty members working in UMDC and PMC, Faisalabad considered DME a positive change

Contact reactions in hospital workers

Occupational contact dermatitis is the commonest occupational skin disease worldwide. Hospital workers including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are exposed to a wide variety of irritants and allergens in their occupational environment. To determine the pattern of contact reactions, and to identify allergens and irritants responsible for contact reactions in hospital workers, in our setup. It was a descriptive, observational study. At the department of Dermatology, Allied and Divisional Headquarters Hospitals, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, From 1st October 2002 to 30th April 2003. A questionnaire based screening of 732 hospital workers was done, at their workplace. Two hundred and nineteen among them, with a clinical suspicion of either contact dermatitis or contact urticaria were enrolled in the study. After establishing a clinical diagnosis, all were subjected to patch test using European Standard Series. Results show that 50% of patients had irritant contact dermatitis, 48% had allergic contact dermatitis, while contact urticaria was seen in 2% of patients. Female to male ratio was approximately 2:1. Nurses were the most frequently affected group. Nickel sulphate was the commonest allergen. Incidence of occupational irritant contact dermatitis is almost equal to allergic contact dermatitis. Occupational contact eczema is more common among female hospital workers as compared to males. Follow up of this particular group of cases might give some insight into the scenario of occupational skin diseases in our society