Faculty Perception and Attitude on Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Medical College from Central India

Abstract

Background: PBL is an innovative teaching learning method that enhances intrinsic motivation, promotes self learning, encourages clinical reasoning, and develops long-lasting memory. It is an established leading educational innovative method in medical sciences throughout the world. In India, it is used by only few institutions. The reason may be the lack of awareness or negative perception on PBL. Aims: To study the response of medical faculty on PBL. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Indore, India. The introductory sensitizing lecture cum discussion was organized on PBL. Pre-Test, Post-Test and feedback data from the faculty was encoded in numerical variables and analyzed by the SPSS. Results: Fifty eight faculty participated, 82.14% were entry and junior level, 80.34% didn’t attend any course on medical education, 94.6% have not attended any kind of formal training on PBL, 78.5% desired to acquire special training and 83.9% were in the favor of PBL. There was significant improvement in the knowledge of faculty on PBL as evidenced by post test and feedback data (Unpaired t test P value equals to 0.0009). Conclusion: The faculty’s attitude was receptive on implementation of the PBL but majority of them required special training which can be conducted by the medical education department of the institute with the collaboration and support of other institutions that run the PBL in their curriculum. It should be integral part of the PBL implementation programme at institute.