Desiring the restructuring of physiology laboratories for digital way of teaching: Perceptions of medical teachers in India

Abstract

Objectives: The medical college curriculum in India has not seen a change for the past several years. An initiative has been taken by the Medical Council of India (MCI) in the Graduate Medical Regulation 2018 to bring a uniform change in teaching-learning methods. This change is necessary in all fields of medical education. Restructuring the physiology laboratories to teach practical procedures using digital computerised equipment and techniques could bring about deeper learning. The past several years have made physiology merely imaginative rather than experiential. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was done using a questionnaire to obtain the perceptions of medical teachers of both genders engaged in teaching medical physiology. Desires and opinions of physiology teachers in changing the way physiology is taught were obtained. Results: Medical teachers felt that a change is necessary to provide better learning experience. More than 80% opined that computerised equipment provide better practical experience with wider understanding of the concepts which students can relate to theoretical concepts. About 85% of teachers supported the move to suggest to MCI on restructuring the laboratories with computerised equipment. More importantly, many teachers expressed that the digital laboratories would make learning very interesting, autonomous and self-directed. The study is not just a platform for opinions but is intended to prompt reflection and bring clarity to the regulatory bodies showing a way forward to change the laboratory setup urgently. Conclusion: Most of the medical teachers in India are finding it appropriate to employ digital ways in teaching Physiology to have better learning outcomes.