Impact of Outcome-based Histology Laboratory Manual on the Performance of Year I MBBS Students

Histology, a branch of anatomy is a correlational science between structure of tissues and their functions. Knowledge of histology is emphasised for undergraduate medical students as a basic for clinical knowledge and research. To impart retainable and reproducible knowledge in histology, a new laboratory manual with images and clinical correlates was introduced to the Year I MBBS students in the Academic Session 2017/2018 during their general anatomy module. The objective structured practical examination marks between 101 students of Batches 2016/17 and 2017/18 were analysed. The difference in marks between both the batches were analysed using SPSS 20. Batch 2017/18 students who used the new lab manual scored better than the previous batch who used the old manual. Independent t-test was not statistically significant. The students who used the new manual fared better than their seniors. Since the difference was not statistically significant, it can be concluded that if existent, drawbacks in the lab manual should be improved and adequate usage of the manual by the students should be emphasised. Nevertheless, usage of the new lab manual shows that the students could understand the subject and score better with less study hours.