Publication:

Perception of current medical practitioners about undergraduate community medicine training, implications for future undergraduate curriculum: a cross sectional study

Background Assessing the perceptions of medical practitioners regarding undergraduate community medicine training, its utility in their practice may provide vital inputs necessary for curriculum reforms. This study has been conducted to address this vital gap in the knowledge.

Methods Cross sectional study for 6 month period conducted among 213 medical practitioners from Chennai, by convenient sampling. Pre tested structured self - administered questionnaire used to collect data using email and manually.

Results Mean age of participants was 37(±12). Seventy (33%) MBBS graduates. Clinical, Pre & Para-clinical and super specialties constituted 72 (33%), 62 (29%) and 10 (5%) of participants respectively. Majority 164 (77%) participants felt disproportionate amount of time is allotted to the subject in under-graduation. To make it more relevant to practice, 150 (70%) suggested that there should be practical application of research methodology, 94 (44%) suggested more field work and 90 (42%) people suggested training in family medicine practice. Regarding application of community medicine principles in   practice, 122 (57%) said they routinely assess and address social determinants, 192 (90%) regularly advise patients on preventive aspects, 61 (29%) displayed good knowledge about public health issues.

Conclusions Need to revamp the undergraduate community medicine curriculum to make it more relevant. Practical application of research to be given priority in curriculum as essential foundation for evidence based medical practice. Intense, skill based training in clinic social case management suggested.