A
Medical Humanities Module for the
Faculty Members of the KIST Medical
College, Imadol, Lalitpur
1489-1492
Correspondence
P Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College
P. O Box 14142
Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
Introduction: Medical humanities (MH) are using subjects which are traditionally known as the humanities to pursue goals in medical education. A medical humanities (MH) module for the faculty members and the medical/dental officers was conducted at the KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Nepal from March to August 2008. The study obtained participant feedback on the module, identified the module’s strengths and weaknesses, and obtained suggestions for improvement among others.
Methods: Twelve, small group activity-based sessions were held on Sunday afternoon from 1.30-3.30 pm by using literature excerpts, paintings, case scenarios, small group work and roleplays. There were about thirty participants. At the end of the module, feedback was obtained from the selected participants by using focus group discussions (FGD). Written transcripts were prepared and analyzed for key themes under different subheadings.
Results: The FGD participants felt that MH was a very important topic which was often found to be missing in medical education. They felt that there were problems with the seating arrangements and that working around a table would be more productive. The literature which was used was difficult and the standard of English was high. The participants were uncomfortable with the role-plays, especially those which dealt with the sexual and reproductive issues.
Conclusion: The module was appreciated by the participants. The small group learning strategies were interesting and effective. Similar sessions can be conducted for the faculty and the medical/dental officers of other medical schools in Nepal and south Asia.