Students’ Perspectives of Their Rotation in Nephrology during Early Clinical Exposure

The programme of Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) introduces the medical students to the clinical environs in the first year itself and can be regarded as a highly desired educational method aimed to enhance the quality of learning and to promote students'interest. However, there seems to be paucity of information regarding the implementation of this programme. Present paper reflects the perspectives of the students on their posting in the Department of Nephrology, as a part of the programme of ECE.

This is an observational study, carried out among 150 first-year MBBS students. The students in batches of 15 rotated through selected clinical departments in the afternoons. Tests were conducted before and after their clinical visits and a questionnaire was also administrated to the students before and after clinical ward rounds. The responses were rated on a scale ranging from ‘strongly disagree’ to ‘strongly agree’.

Students’ mean score before and after the test was 18 and 33, respectively and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). The feedback from the students revealed that the ECE programme enhanced their concepts in renal anatomy and physiology.

ECE was perceived positively by the students. The programme has helped them in integrating basic sciences with Nephrology in an efficient, practical manner, helping them to develop interest in the preclinical subjects. This programme has contributed to their learning experience in the affective domain.