Effectiveness of Revised Pharmacology Record Books as a Teaching-Learning Method for Second Year Medical Students

J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Jan;10(1):FC05-8. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/15206.7054. Epub 2016 Jan 1.

Abstract

Introduction: The goal of teaching medical undergraduates Pharmacology is to form a sound foundation of therapeutics. The pharmacology record books are maintained as a part of the curriculum. The purpose of this study was to obtain feedback of the medical students about the new record adopted in the institution after major revision.

Materials and methods: This was a questionnaire based study done in a Government Medical College of Kerala in February 2013. The data was analysed using SPSS. The feedback on clinical pharmacology exercises was given positive and negative scores.

Results: Majority (64.5%) opined that the content in pharmacology record was good. A total of 78.1% completed the record during discussions in practical classes. Majority wrote the records for understanding pharmacology. For 79.8% General Pharmacology exercises were most relevant, 33.8% considered Clinical Pharmacology exercises to be the most thought provoking. Drug use in special groups received the maximum positive score.

Conclusion: The new improved pharmacology record is an effective teaching-learning method. Inclusion of more clinically oriented exercises has increased the interest of the students in the subject.

Keywords: Clinical pharmacology; Medical education; Qualitative research; Undergraduate.