Publication:

Family adoption program as a teaching-learning tool perspectives from Vijayapura, North Karnataka, India: a cross-sectional study

Background The family adoption program (FAP) is an amazing initiative that seeks to give underprivileged families all-encompassing support so they can achieve sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life. FAP tackles issues like health literacy and lack of disease awareness because 65.5% of India’s population lives in rural areas with limited access to healthcare. Through community participation, medical students get a firsthand look at the living circumstances of the patients they see in hospitals. Beginning in 2022, MBBS students are required to participate in the FAP by the National medical commission (NMC). At least five households must be assigned to each student. It is required of the students to build rapport, comprehend their health and associated factors.

Methods The cross-sectional study required a sample size of 370 for estimating the expected prevalence with 4% absolute precision and 95% confidence level.

Results Regarding the perception on FAP, when enquired if FAP has improved their understanding of patient’s family dynamics, out of the 406 medical students, the majority 343 (84.5%) agreed. When asked if FAP had enhanced their communication skills with patients and their families, the majority 343 (84.5%) agreed.

Conclusions Although FAP increased baseline data collection, healthcare use and experience learning, it’s limited by logistical issues, underscoring the need for better community-based initiatives. Family Adoption Program should be streamlined to address the issues raised by medical students, family members, faculty members and administrators.