Students’ perceived levels of ‘human skills’ and effectiveness of various modules in skill development

Introduction: Medical students need leadership and other ‘human’ skills to address many of the health challenges facing society.Objective: The present study was conducted to obtain student opinion about the effectiveness of different modules in developing these skills, note students perceived levels of knowledge and skills in these areas and obtain suggestions for further improvement at KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Nepal.Method: The present study was conducted using a questionnaire developed by the authors among the first batch of undergraduate medical students. Basic demographics were noted and participants rated the effectiveness of different learning modalities in developing these skills and also noted their present level of knowledge about the topics. Free text comments were also obtained.Result: Fifty-eight of the 75 students (77.3%) participated. Majority were male, self-financing and from urban areas. The mean overall effectiveness scores of different modalities in developing human skills was 190.09 (maximum 300). Correlation seminars and pharmacology small group sessions were regarded as less effective in developing these skills. The mean perceived knowledge score was greater than 3 (maximum 5) in most areas. Mean perceived skills scores in most areas were also greater than 3 except for breaking bad news and tolerance for differing views. Medical humanities sessions and community health exercises were especially appreciated.Conclusion: The different sessions were moderately effective in developing these skills. Students’ perceived knowledge and skills levels were moderate. Further studies among other batches of students are required.