Abstract

Background: Understanding the changing trends in medical education technology helps to improve the teaching learning methods for medical graduates which can further help to improve the quality of health-care system. Apart from the conventional methods, several new methods of teaching are being introduced according to the changing medical curriculum. Most of these techniques are well accepted by the medical students.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to collect feedback from the students to understand their perception on teaching and learning methods in the subject of pharmacology.

Materials and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, and questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology at Government Medical College, Thrissur, during the period 2017–2018. Pre-validated questionnaire was distributed among 2nd-year MBBS students, attending pharmacology classes and responses were collected and analyzed using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: Major responses from students perspective regarding teaching and learning methods in Pharmacology subject were that learning pharmacology is very important before going to clinics (96.5%), brief description about the clinical scenario is essential before discussing about the drugs (95.5%), knowledge of pharmacy and drug dispensing methods are necessary for patient care (94.5%). Pharmacology should be taught along with clinical subjects (93%) and also problem-based learning and prescriptions are extremely useful in clinics (90.5%).

Conclusion: Regular and systematic feedback from the learners side can significantly improve the quality of medical education and health-care system. Clinically oriented teaching methods can impart more interest in studying Pharmacology.

Key words: Pharmacology; Medical Education; Teaching Methods; Student’s Perception