EFFECT OF SIMULATION BASED EDUCATION ON KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Simulations are being increasingly used to train medical students in diverse clinical skills. Simulation is arguably the most prominent innovation in medical education over the past 15 years. Role play is a simulation technique which can potentially strengthen knowledge that will lead to improved expertise. The present study was undertaken to assess an effectiveness of simple intervention, in the form of 'Role Play Simulation' on the knowledge of undergraduate MBBS medical students of one of randomly selected medical colleges in Maharashtra is regarding 'Epidemics Investigations.' Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of pre and post test intervention was conducted at one of the randomly selected medical colleges in Western Maharashtra. A structured pretested self administered questionnaire consisting of 15 close ended questions was distributed to all 144 participants. The present study attempted to incorporate simulation based role play which was based on epidemic/outbreak investigations for food poisoning. Immediately after this intervention, same questionnaire was distributed to participants as a post test and responses were collected. Paired t-test'was used to assess pre and post intervention knowledge of participants. Results: Present study revealed significant improvement in knowledge of participants about epidemic investigations from pre to post intervention as a result of 'Role Play Simulation Based Education' (t = 42.87, p < 0.001). Statistically significant difference was observed for all fifteen questions. Conclusion: A simple simulation form like role play can make significant change in knowledge of medical students about very important topic i.e. 'Epidemic Investigation' in Community Medicine subject.