Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Perception on AETCOM module- Empathy and Communication Skills among Phase I medical students

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals are required to possess appropriate technical skills, medical knowledge and expertise, while also demonstrating empathy, compassion, and trustworthiness. Based on the Competency Based Medical Education (CBME), AETCOM -Attitude, Ethics, and Communication session has been introduced for undergraduate medical students starting from their first year, aiming to equip them with these essential skills. Fewer researches have delved into evaluating Phase I medical students' comprehension of the revised AETCOM curriculum. This study aims to underscore the importance of empathy and communication skills in healthcare among Phase I medical students.

Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study done for a period of three months among Phase–I Medical students who joined in 2023. The twelve hours of Physiology AETCOM sessions were well planned and evenly spread for three months. At the end, the students were requested to fill out a structured questionnaire and the results were analysed.

Results: Majority of the students (>88%) showed a higher existence of favorable attitude about AETCOM as a subject in medical curriculum. Around 82% of the students felt that the AETCOM session kindled their interest. Nearly, 86% of students acknowledged that the knowledge obtained will help them in their future roles.

Conclusion: The AETCOM training in the first year would help the students acquire the essential knowledge about empathy and communication skills, and practice these skills during the clinical visit in Phase II. This definitely would go a long way in creating an ideal ‘Indian Medical Graduate’.