Publication:

Empathy and equanimity toward caregivers: a pre-post study on AETCOM module 2.8 in phase II MBBS students

Background Empathy and equanimity are essential competencies in medical education, influencing patient outcomes and caregiver engagement. The attitude, ethics, and communication (AETCOM) module introduced by the National Medical Commission aims to cultivate these attributes among undergraduate medical students; however, empirical evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. Aim was to evaluate the impact of AETCOM Module 2.8 on empathy and equanimity toward caregivers among phase 2 MBBS students using a pre-post study design.

Methods This pre-test/post-test study included 89 phase 2 MBBS students (88 completed post-test). The intervention comprised interactive sessions including discussions, role-plays, and reflective exercises. A validated Likert-scale questionnaire assessed four domains: understanding caregivers’ challenges, communication and professionalism, equanimity and emotional self-management, and overall empathy. Quantitative data were analysed using paired t-tests, while qualitative reflections underwent thematic analysis.

Results Overall empathy scores increased significantly from 57.9±8.63 to 62.7±7.21 (p<0.001). Significant improvements were observed in understanding caregivers’ challenges (+1.3), communication and professionalism (+0.9), and equanimity (+1.3) (all p<0.001). Neutral and negative responses decreased by over 35%. Qualitative reflections highlighted increased awareness of caregivers’ holistic burdens and a commitment to empathetic, composed clinical interactions.

Conclusions AETCOM module 2.8 significantly enhanced empathy and equanimity among MBBS students. Integrating interactive and reflective learning approaches within medical curricula can foster compassionate, professional, and emotionally resilient future physicians.