NEEDS ASSESSMENTS OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

BACKGROUND In its Vision 2015 statement(1), the Government of India recognises Health for all as a national goal and expects medical training to produce competent "Physicians of First Contact" towards meeting this goal. The Medical Council of India aims to produce a clinician who understands and provides preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and holistic care with compassion. In its endeavour to reach this goal, the MCI has emphasised the role of self-directed learning or encouragement of a learner-centric approach. A greater emphasis is placed on exposure to primary and secondary levels of care and to Competency-Based Learning (CBE). AIM In an attempt to crystallise this vision, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad decided to give the students a questionnaire, which would address their needs regarding medical education in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and what innovations they would envisage to be part of the teaching learning program of the department. METHODOLOGY A prepared questionnaire was given to students in 3 classes and their opinion on various aspects of the teaching in Obstetrics and Gynaecology was sought. The data was collated and analysed by simple proportions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Students found the theory classes conducted by the faculty wanting. They wanted more interactive sessions and group discussions. Rural exposure was not considered important. Postings in labour room, operation theatre, and family planning were considered inadequate. The needs of the students must be kept in mind to have effective teaching learning strategies.