Perception of medical students towards the MCI recommended foundation course at a medical college in north Kerala

Abstract

Orientation of first year medical students to their new environment is essential before initiation of academic sessions. The MCI has recommended a one month long Foundation course as part of the new Competency Based medical Education curriculum for the same in the Graduate medical regulations 2019 to be implemented in all medical colleges from 2019. The new medical curriculum was implemented in out institution from August 1 2019 and a one month long foundation course was conducted for the first year students. This study was done to analyse the perceptions of the students to the new foundation course.A cross sectional study was conducted involving first year medical students attending the foundation course in our institution. Data collected by a semi structured questionnaire which the students were asked to complete at the end of each session taken. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Qualitative data collected through open ended questionnaires were coded into themes. 207 students participated in the study. Most of the students perceived that the foundation course has helped them familiarise with the institution, faculty and students. The skills module and the Community orientation module was perceived by the students as most interesting and helpful for their future academics. The Foundation course was perceived as helpful by the students in orienting them to the basics of the profession for the future