An exploratory study among medical students and faculty on competency-based medical education and family adoption programs

ABSTRACT Background: Health care needs of the community change continuously with advancements in the medical field, technology, and changes in demography, socioeconomic factors, disease risk, and patterns. This necessitates reorientation of the health care delivery system and medical curriculum to meet the changing needs. Objectives: To explore the perceptions of medical undergraduate and postgraduate students and faculty on competency-based medical education (CBME) and family adoption programs (FAPs). Methods: An exploratory study was conducted among 30 participants inclusive of medical undergraduate and postgraduate students and medical faculty members from medical colleges in Puducherry aged 18 years and above during March to May 2024 (3 months) through purposive sampling. A semistructured interview guide was used for free listing, pile sorting, and key informant interviews. Visual Anthropac software was used for free listing and pile sorting. Manual content analysis was performed for key informant interviews. Results: Evident themes such as merits and demerits of CBME were identified by free listing and pile sorting. Themes such as challenges faced in FAP and suggestions for better implementation of FAP were identified from key informant interviews. Conclusion: There is obviously an enticing environment for transition from conventional medical curriculum to CBME. Most of the students and faculty members were aware of the necessity and had developed a constructive attitude toward enforcing the educational reform. However, significant barriers exist in the form of manpower and resources that should be taken into consideration based on the needs and experiences of the students and faculty for better implementation and sustainability.