Students' and faculty's perceptions of early patient contact [EPC] program in a university teaching hospital in United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

The Early Patient Contact [EPC] program was introduced as an elective posting for the first year MBBS students in the University in 2010. The objective of the study was to determine the perceptions of medical students and faculty about EPC program. The study sample included 50 first year MBBS students of GMU, Ajman in the academic year 2010-11 and 2011-12 and who consented for EPC posting and faculty members of GMC Hospital. Faculty and Student's feedback were obtained through separate questionnaire's at the end of EPC posting based on Likert scales [SA, A, U, D, SD]. Analysis of responses showed that students perceived EPC program increased their motivation to pursue medical profession [98%], realize the importance of documentation [94%], helped them understand the practical challenges [96%] and helped realize the importance of professional conduct [94%]. Students opined that EPC program made classroom teaching more relevant [80%]. Majority of students recommended EPC to be a part of regular curriculum [76%]. All the faculty felt that EPC makes classroom teaching of communication skills more relevant and makes student's realize the importance of professional conduct. They emphasized the importance of documentation [86%]. The faculty was satisfied with the conduct of the program. Students and faculty had positive perceptions about EPC program due to its influence on student motivation, professionalism and better communication skills