Assessing the Impact of Integrating the AETCOM Module on Doctor-Patient Relationship into the First Phase Medical Curriculum

Background: The doctor-patient relationship is an integral part of community care, which has long-term effects on patients' physical and mental well-being. "Competency-Based Undergraduate Medical Education Curriculum ۲۰۱۹(CBME)" has integrated a structured "Attitude, Ethics, and Communication" (AETCOM) program in the MBBS curriculum. AETCOM module ۱.۳ focuses on the “doctor-patient relationship” (DPR). Objectives: The objective of this study was to know the effectiveness of implementing an AETCOM session on the DPR and to analyse the students' perceptions of the AETCOM module ۱.۳. Methods: This Quasi-experimental study was carried out after obtaining institutional Ethical clearance and consent from the participants. ۱۵۷ out of ۲۵۰ Phase I MBBS students participated in the study. AETCOM module on the “doctor-patient relationship” was taught to the first phase MBBS students through an interactive lecture, role play and videos. Pre-tests and post-tests were conducted to find out the effectiveness of the module. The students' perception was assessed through a feedback-based ۵-point Likert scale. A paired T-test was used to determine the statistical significance (p-value < ۰.۰۵ considered significant). Results: Our study showed significantly higher post-test marks than pretest ones with a p-value <۰.۰۵. The students responded positively to the AETCOM module and ascertained that it made them aware of the patient's rights and would facilitate future interaction with patients. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the necessity of including the “doctor-patient relationship” module as a part of the medical undergraduate curriculum, as it will prime the students regarding their roles and responsibilities toward patients and the community.

کلیدواژه ها:

AETCOM Module ، Doctor-Patient Relationship ، CBME ، Empathy