Perception and Experience of Medical Undergraduate Students Regarding Family Adoption Programme: a Cross-Sectional Study in Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata

Background and objectives:Family Adoption Programme (FAP) has been included in the undergraduate medical curriculum by National Medical Commission, in which students have to adopt a family, build relationship and do longitudinal follow up. This study aims to describe the perception of undergraduate medical students of NRS Medical College regarding the probable benefits they can gain and the allotted family can gain fromFAP and to elicit their views regarding the adversities imposed by FAP and ways to improve the programme. Methods: It was an observational descriptive study in cross-sectional design. Data collection was done in June, 2024 in NRSMCH, Kolkata, among the Medical Undergraduate students of NRSMCH with a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire, administered in Google Form with embedded consent form. Responses were analysed in MS Excel. Results:More than half of the study participantsopined that FAP is advantageous in case of gathering real life experience and sharpening communication skills. 92% students thought that their understanding of the Health Care Delivery system has improved; 85.9% opined that their leadership skills has improved and 94.7% stated that their knowledge regarding health promotion has improved through FAP.More than two thirds felt that the adopted families will be benefitted from FAP. Proportionately more senior-year students perceived FAP problematic than their juniors. Regarding scope for improvement in FAP, majority had no opinion or opined that no improvement was needed. Conclusion: Study participants found FAP useful and complimentary to classroom teaching in cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains, however senior-year students perceived more adversities.