An Online Study of MBBS Student Performance in Internal Assessment of a Pre-clinical Department during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on medical education. As the crisis persists, it is critical to develop valid and reliable assessment methodologies. Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the impact of competency-based medical education (“COMPETENCY-BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION”) implemented online in the biochemistry department during the pandemic on the results of online internal assessments. Materials and Methods: After receiving institutional clearance in 6 months, this pilot study was done on 150 1st-year MBBS students at IQ City Medical College and Hospital, Durgapur. In 6 months, two internal assessments have to be completed online. Multiple choice questions, short answer type questions, orals, and spots were divided into four compartments during our internal evaluation sessions, which were held 3 times a month. A survey was conducted to gather data pertaining to student stress levels during offline and online examinations. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using the paired t-test. Reliability of data was checked using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Participants ranked Expected Offline Examination Stress Risk higher (M = 4.7200, Standard deviation [SD] = 1.58906) as opposed to the Expected Online Examination Stress Risk (3.6800, SD = 1.53841), a statistically significant mean increases of 1.04000, and 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.81192, 1.26808], t (149) = 9.010, P < 0.001. In case of perceived risks, participants ranked Perceived Offline Examination Stress Risk higher (M = 4.7600, SD = 1.64533) as opposed to the Perceived Online Examination Stress Risk (M =3.6867, SD = 1.63081), a statistically significant mean increases of 1.07333, 95% CI [0.83098, 1.31568], t (149) = 8.751, P < 0.001. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, students expect and perceive online examination stress risk to be lower than that of offline examinations. The research also revealed that students were able to score higher in online tests than in offline exams, implying that the department of biochemistry may conduct internal assessments as well as implement “COMPETENCY-BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION” online.