Case Based Learning: An Effective Teaching Learning Method in Pharmacology for MBBS Students

Abstract

Introduction: Medical education in India is currently going through major changes by bringing competency based undergraduate curriculum (CBME) from 2019. CBME aim to train graduates to efficiently take care of the health needs of the society. Pharmacology is an important subject in MBBS curriculum and involves treatment and prevention of a disease. This study aimed to compare, Case based learning (CBL) and Didactic lecture (DL) in Pharmacology and also to evaluate the student perception and effectiveness of these teaching methods. Materials and Methods: Total 140 MBBS students participated in this study. Students were randomly divided into two groups. Group A & B were exposed to CBL & Didactic lecture respectively. Student’s knowledge of the topic was assessed before and after the sessions in both the groups. Student’s perception of teaching method was assessed by five-point Likert scale. Results: The scores of pre-session of multiple-choice questions were compared in both the groups. There was no significant statistical difference in the marks obtained between the CBL and didactic lecture group (p>0.05). On comparing the scores post session between the groups, there was statistically significant difference between CBL and Didactic lecture group. The mean score was found to be higher in the CBL group. Most of the students strongly agreed that CBL improved their problem-solving ability, boosted confidence in clinical case scenario, improved communication skill and increased their interest in applied pharmacology as compared to didactic lecture. Conclusion: CBL is an effective teaching method and with student’s positive response and perception, it can be a good add-on teaching method in Pharmacology for MBBS students.