DEVELOPING INTEREST IN EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE THROUGH BASIC GENETIC RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Objectives:

To develop interest in laboratory based genetic research in undergraduate medical students and to identify the effectiveness of hands on laboratory exposure in culminating interest and confidence in students to pursue further skills and evidence based medicine before they begin clinical rotations in the 3rd year of medical college.

Methods:

A two-month long study was conducted that included lab work and data collection through an online form. Out of 120 MBBS students initially registered, only 100 filled out the form. The experiment was conducted over three hours under faculty supervision. The participating students had no prior experience of the materials/methods, safety precautions, equipment, procedure, expected outcomes and application and relevance to clinical practice.

Results:

Out of 100 participating students, 81 were second year and 19 from third year. The difference in response to research opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year medical students was highly significant (p value <0.001). Out of 100, 96 students were seeking opportunities to participate in research. However, 73 students had no previous knowledge of bench work. The remaining 27 students had prior laboratory experience at school but were not familiar with DNA extraction or related equipment. The increase in confidence (97%) to handle the equipment was highly significant (p value 0.0008).

Conclusion:

The introduction to laboratory skills in pre-clinical years was found to be effective as shown by the difference in initiative among 2nd and 3rd year medical students (p value <0.001). Incorporation of laboratory based research module is recommended in preclinical years of the medical undergraduate curriculum.