EFFECT OF PRECLINICAL SKILL LAB TRAINING ON CLINICAL SKILLS OF STUDENTS DURING CLINICAL YEARS

Abstract

Background: Integration of clinical and preclinical teaching results in improvement of clinical acumen and better understanding of basic medical sciences. Keeping this in view, it was aimed to determine the efficacy of clinical skill lab (CSL) training during preclinical years on acquirement of clinical skills by the medical students. Methods: It was a descriptive study carried out at Foundation University Medical College. Based on convenience sampling, 4^th year students who had received CSL training were compared with the 5^th year students who had not received CSL training. Evaluation proforma was used. Students graded their clinical skills between non-satisfactory to excellent based upon recall. Results: Ninety-six students responded, 47 from 5^th year and 49 from 4^th year. Sixty-seven percent students of 4^th year considered that CSL sessions benefitted them in ward learning. Seventy-three percent students rated their history-taking and general physical examination skills as very good. Eighteen percent of 5^th year students graded them as good. For systemic examination and basic life support (BLS), 66% of 4^th year and 82% of 5^th year graded them satisfactory. Overall ward performance was rated very good by 60% of 4^th year and 36% of 5^th year students. However, 33% of 4^th year and none from 5^th year students rated it excellent. Improvement in communication skills was observed by 53% of 4^th year and 45% of 5^th year students; and 53% from 4^th year and 36% from 5^th year felt improvement in their confidence level. Conclusions: CSL sessions during preclinical years greatly benefit the students in clinical years to improve overall performance, communication skills, and confidence.

Pak J Physiol 2016;12(3):30–2