Student's perceptions of educational environment across multiple undergraduate medical institutions in Pakistan using DREEM inventory

ABSTRACT

To objectively assess whether the medical education environment across Pakistan was at an acceptable standard and to determine factors influencing its perception. The cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2012 at six undergraduate medical institutions across Pakistan. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure [DREEM] inventory having five subscales of perceptions of learning, teachers, atmosphere, academic self-perceptions and social self-perceptions was administered anonymously to all the consenting medical students. Data was analysed using SPSS 17. Of the 3045 questionnaires distributed, 2084[68.4%] were returned duly filled. Of all the respondents, 1311[63%] were females. Overall mean score found positive was 105.0 +/- 25.8 [Max 200]. Corresponding scores in the subscales were student's perception of learning 25.1 +/- 7.2 [Max 48]; social self-perception 15.4 +/- 3.9 [Max 28]; academic self-perception17.2 +/- 6.5 [Max 32]; perception of teachers being in need of some re-training 22.5 +/- 7.1 [Max 44]; and perception of atmosphere as having many issues needing a change 24.8 +/- 7.0 [Max 48]. Female students and pre-clinical year students perceived environment as more positive than male students [108.6 +/- 23.0 vs. 98.8 +/- 28.9 [p<0.001]] and students belonging to clinical years [108.0 +/- 24.0 vs. 03.3 +/- 26.5 [p<0.001]]. Highest score was found in the domain of student's social self-perceptions and lowest in the domain of student's perception of teachers. Results can be used as a basis for planning and executing remedial measures needed to improve undergraduate medical education environment in Pakistan