Feedback of undergraduate Medical Students on AETCOM Module 3.1 - The Foundations of Communication: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Effective communication skills are necessary for patient satisfaction, compliance with treatment plans, and ethical medical practice. The competency-based curriculum in India implemented AETCOM modules from the first year of MBBS to teach such skills early. However, there are few studies reporting student feedback on the importance and impact of these modules. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of AETCOM module 3.1 on doctor–patient communication skills among Phase III MBBS students using pretest and posttest assessment. Material and Methods: This pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted in a central India tertiary care institute from August to September 2025. Out of 200 Phase III MBBS students, 184 were included after taking consent, who underwent interactive sessions on the Kalamazoo Consensus Statement. Knowledge gain was measured using a structured 10-item multiple-choice question (MCQ) questionnaire using Kobo Tool mobile application (paired t-test, p<0.05), while feedback was measured on a 5-point Likert scale (Cronbach's alpha=0.92). Jamovi version 2.6.44 & R software version 4.5.2 used for analysis. paired t-test used to compare mean scores. Frequencies and percentages for student feedback. Results: Mean pretest score was 6.36±1.58, while mean post-test score improved significantly by 8.61±1.21 (t=-15.3, p<0.001). Overall, 67.4% were strongly agreed, 31.5% were agreed whereas 0.5% were neutral/strongly disagreed on satisfaction with AETCOM communication session. Conclusion: AETCOM Competency 3.1 is effective in improving the communication skills of the third professional (Part I) MBBS students. Students feedback evokes high satisfaction of session.