Abstract
BACKGROUND: Second year undergraduate medical students lack an integrated approach towards the basic laboratory data. So, they find it difficult when analytical exercises are asked for in pathology practical examinations. A Complete Health Checkup (CHC) is one exercise where an individual undergoes a clinical examination, followed by various basic laboratory tests, along with other tests like ECG, X-ray and USG of the abdomen. A critical analysis of such charts would help in developing higher cognitive skills in the form of integration of all the data which is available, in order to arrive at a final diagnosis. We hypothesized that facilitating the students to analyze a set of clinical pathology tests by using CHC charts as modules would enhance their integrated approach towards the laboratory data. AIM: To evaluate the use of pre designed complete health charts which were designed to enhance the students' ability to apply and integrate their knowledge on the clinical pathology data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two batches of 44 students each (Group 1 and Group 2), who attended the clinical pathology postings, were included in the study (totally 88 students). Informed consents were obtained from all of them. In addition to their routine posting schedules, the students in Group 2 were exposed to fifteen CHC charts, one at a time, with the subsequent analysis of each chart by using an objective test and a discussion. At the end of their clinical pathology postings, an OSPE was conducted for all the students and the test scores were analyzed. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS, version 15. RESULTS: Group 1 obtained a score which ranged from 48% to 78%, with a mean±SE (mean) of 62.0% ± 1.21 and Group 2 obtained a score which ranged from 65% to 94%, with a mean±SE (mean) of 86.2% ± 0.96. The Student's-t-test for the equality of means with a value of 15.59 (p=0.000), implied a statistical significance in the mean score, as was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Facilitating the students' learning by using CHC charts helps in improving the students' capacity to analyze and interpret the clinical pathology data and so, it can be utilized on a routine basis.