Background: Community learning with the help of academic module is an active learning experience for medical students to learn by observation, develop communication skill, participatory action research, and confidence building.
Objective: To enhance knowledge of diabetes mellitus (DM) among medical students by involving them in community-based teaching.
Materials and Methods: After ethical permissions, both the faculties prepared a module on DM, which was self explanatory and informative for students for teaching and for community people for learning. Students gave knowledge on risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis, and lifestyle modification for diabetes management to community people with the help of academic module on DM. Visits were supervised by faculty, paramedical staff and social workers with the help of checklists and video recordings. Pre- and posttests were conducted for students on the topic DM. Feedback from students, faculty, and community people about need for modular community learning was studied.
Results: A total of 80 students participated in this study. A significant rise of 59.0% in mean average score of students, from baseline (pretest 5.46 vs posttest 8.68) was observed. Checklist and video analysis revealed an improvement in subject knowledge, logical reasoning, communication skills, and problem solving skills of students. Analysis of feedback from students revealed an attitudinal change, feeling confident of community practice. Faculty felt an improvement in communication skills of students and faculty showed an interest in research projects at community organizations. Community people were benefited by students engagement in knowledge sharing and providing health needs.
Conclusion: Modular community learning program for medical undergraduates has the potential to enhance students academic learning in community health environment and strengthen self-confidence and communication skills. It may bring about better community health-care services.
Key words: Medical education, community-based learning, diabetes mellitus, family education
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