Enhancing cancer knowledge amongst allied healthcare students in South India through crossover teaching–learning method

Abstract Background: As the trend is changing, medical education is increasingly focusing on active learning approaches rather than passive classroom didactics as it develops. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cross-over teaching technique in the improvement of knowledge of Allied Health Sciences students about cancer. Methods: The present study was conducted amongst allied healthcare students from two paramedical training institutes located in the field practice area ( n = 112). It was a quasi-experimental study design. A comprehensive training programme provided by a trained person in cancer screening management for the study participants using a crossover technique. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Results: The results showed that there is a 45.7% improvement in the knowledge of the participants about cancer after the training programme using crossover technique. From students’ reflection, it was evident that crossover technique improved their critical thinking and increased their learning ability. Conclusions: This type of training session is essential since it not only increases students’ knowledge but also demonstrates a favourable attitude towards cancer screening.