Effectiveness of topic briefing followed by field visit in the improvement of academic performance of medical students: A pre-post quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: Although field visits are vital in preventive medicine, they are conducted without topic briefing. Hence, the effectiveness of topic briefing in improving academic performance was evaluated.

Methods: Using Pre-post quasi-experimental study design. Two interventions were imparted, 1^st- topic briefing and 2^nd - field visit.

Results: Significant improvement was seen in mean total score from 9.14±2.46 at baseline to 14.46±2.01 post briefing to 16.21±1.57 after field visit; (RAMNOVA F-195.6, p<0.0001) and in mean practical score from 5.00±1.81 at baseline to 6.64±1.49 post briefing to 7.91±1.18 after field visit; (RAMNOVA F-64.31, p<0.0001). Post-hoc analysis was also significant. Although the mean theory score improved significantly from 4.14±1.70 at baseline to 7.81±1.36 post briefing to 8.31±0.77 post field visit (RAMNOVA F-172.8, p<0.0001), Post hoc analysis showed significance only after post briefing.

Conclusions: The pre-briefed field visits significantly improved the academic performance in both, theoretical & practical aspects.