Process Documentation of Community Diagnosis Posting in A Teaching Medical Institution: Learning the Process of Community Based Learning of Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Introduction: Sensitizing medical undergraduates about rural health through village health survey during their posting in Community Medicine has the potential to trigger active learning by medical students. In this context the present study was con- ducted to document the community diagnosis posting of medical undergraduates in a teaching medical institution and understand the process of learning of medical undergraduates.

Methodology: Present series of community diagnosis postings were organized in nearby villages of a tertiary care teaching hos- pital in Pondicherry during Jan-June 2014. The students per- formed village transect walk, village health survey with pre- decided themes, focus group discussion followed by organization of a health camp.

Results: Students were able to appreciate importance of demog- raphy in epidemiological research and felt rural health needs. They also learnt the local language. Students learned about differ- ent research methodology through hands-on experience and were exposed to various computer and statistical softwares. Their at- tendance also increased in subsequent classes. The students un- derstood importance of communication skills by maintaining good rapport with villagers. Their organizing skills, leadership qualities and documentations skills improved drastically fol- lowed the postings.

Conclusion: It is possible to sensitize medical students to rural health through community diagnosis postings. Involving students to community health is the need of the hour to encourage active learning and trigger their leadership and organizing qualities, in addition to developing their documentation skills.