The Ability of MBBS Graduates to Apply Orthopedic Knowledge in Their Practice – A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: An MBBS graduate is the first contact with medical care in many health-care establishments such as primary health centers and emergency medicine departments. Majority of the patients present to them with musculoskeletal-related problems. Hence, adequate exposure and knowledge of the musculoskeletal system are essential to an MBBS graduate. This study helps to assess the adequacy of orthopedics knowledge and also aims to know the perception of MBBS graduates about orthopedics as a subject. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire is administered to MBBS graduates on their: (1) basic information (demographic data), (2) exposure to different domains of orthopedic training during their graduation, (3) confidence with which they can perform certain important orthopedic-related competencies, (4) orthopedic knowledge (by giving them questionnaire-containing orthopedic subject-related questions), and (5) perception about orthopedics as a subject. Scores are awarded to the cognitive test. Their responses are tabulated and analyzed using standard statistical tests. Results: The total number of participants is 80, of which 59 people chose to respond. The average score obtained by the students in the cognitive test on orthopedic knowledge is 54.9% in the present study. Only 4% of the participants feel that orthopedic subjects are easy. Nearly 59% found orthopedics interesting. About 42% of the participants feel that the orthopedic teaching in their undergraduation was inadequate. About 71% of the participants feel that orthopedics should be introduced as a separate subject during their MBBS. Conclusions: Orthopedics must be introduced as a separate subject undergraduate level such as ENT and ophthalmology to meet the needs of the community and to empower an MBBS graduate to provide adequate care to orthopedic patients at grass root level.