European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: ECE is one form of vertical integration between basic science and clinical subjects. Thus this study is an effort to explore the use of ECE as an effective teaching learning tool, toward better learning as vertical integrated method over traditional teaching method through student’s perception.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during April 2022. A convenience sample of 190 first- and secondyear MBBS students, enrolled in the medical curriculum, participated in an early clinical exposure program. To collect data from medical students, a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions and structured questions, rated on a five-point Likert scale, was used to know students’ attitudes toward early clinical exposure.
Results: Of the 190 medical students, 160 completed the questionnaire. The results demonstrated that medical students had a positive attitude toward early clinical exposure. Most students (84.1%) stated that early clinical exposure could familiarize them with the role of basic sciences knowledge in medicine and how to apply this knowledge in clinical settings. Moreover, 67.4 of them believed that early clinical exposure increased their interest in medicine and encouraged them to read more. Furthermore, content analysis of the students’ responses uncovered three main themes of early clinical exposure, were considered helpful to improve learning: “integration of theory and practice”, “interaction with others and professional development” and “desire and motivation for learning medicine”.
Conclusion: Majority of students felt that early clinical exposure is a very good teaching learning tool, The present design involving a introduction of variety of dimensions of medical profession like scientific, ethical, interpersonal, professional and social to the new entrants in addition to enhancing their motivation to learn. A well designed ECE program could be the ideal first step in the making of a holistic doctor.