Modular teaching programme on leprosy.

Abstract

Though repeated attention has been drawn to a lack of proper teaching-learning modules in leprosy endemic countries, no satisfactory module exists. Keeping in view this fact, we attempted to draft a suitable module on leprosy that could be used to teach leprosy to undergraduate medical students in a simple and comprehensive manner. We used two different modules, Module A and Module B, to teach two different batches of students of the pre-final year (VI and VII semesters) of the MBBS course. Both these modules were conducted by the Department of Dermatology and STD, with participation by the Departments of Microbiology, Pathology and Preventive and Social Medicine. The drafts of the modules were discussed before hand in the Department, keeping in mind the number of days allotted to us. Both the modules were different in certain aspects, but the basic concept was the same. Because Module A had more time, certain practical aspects were also discussed. It was interesting to note that the percentage of increase in the post-test score was 17 for Module A and 15 for Module B, thus proving that both the modules were effective in conveying the core message about leprosy.