Computer Assisted Learning in Clinical Physiology Practical: Perception and Understanding by Ist year Medical Students, Advantages and Limitations

Clinical examination of human subject in physiology clinical practicals is a part of MBBS curriculum. In present scenario; in most of the medical institutions clinical examination is conducted in physiology laboratory or demo room where patients are usually not available. Due to this Ist MBBS students may feel difficulty in assessing clinical signs, therefore in understanding applied physiology.

To overcome this problem in present study attempt has been made to teach different aspects of clinical physiology with the help of computer assisted learning (CAL). Aim and objective was to find out whether CAL enhances understanding of clinical physiology in Ist MBBS students and to assess their cognitive skills (knowledge acquired and perceptions). Advantages and limitations of CAL as a teaching tool were also assessed.

In this study hundred and seven Ist MBBS students participated voluntarily. Self designed and prestructured questionnaire on clinical examination was prepared after going through literature review. Non CAL-test conducted after traditional way of teaching and CAL-test conducted after teaching with traditional method plus use of computer. They also filled a survey questionnaire on the CAL outcomes, advantages and limitations of CAL. The data collected and statistically analyzed for proportion test using SPSS (version 16).

In present study 92% students perceived CAL better and 85% students claimed that their understanding improved which was reflected in the CAL-test as improvement in the knowledge.

It was found that along with traditional method of learning; CAL is useful in learning clinical physiology practical.