ABSTRACT
Introduction: The ongoing 4.0 industrial evolution, characterized by the rise of digital technology, has had a massive impact on human lifestyles worldwide. Faculty members in medical school are expected to respond to this industrial revolution by implementing teaching strategies, one of which is Blended learning as a suitable solution to overcome the limitations of space and time in the teaching process. For effective utilization of blended learning, it is important to conduct extensive studies on its implementation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of implementing blended learning in the faculty of medicine in Hasanuddin University from the students' perspective. Methods: This study used a sequential explanatory mixed method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative part involved 782 undergraduate medical students from the first, second, and third years. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey distributed among the students. The qualitative part of the research was conducted through focus group discussions involving 13 students based on the questionnaire scores, representing both high and low scores. The results of the quantitative and qualitative research were collected and integrated. Results: Based on the results, the majority of students agreed that blended learning provided many advantages to their learning (Mean±SD: 3.79±0.78). Also, they reported e-learning platform significantly contributed to their learning process (Mean±SD: 3.88±0.67). The workload of blended learning method was still considered quite heavy by students, and good time management was highly needed (Mean±SD: 3.45±0.84). As for qualitative part, some positive results were obtained; they reported that it increased motivation for learning, enhanced the efficiency of learning and gaining adaptability, while the negative opinions were the network error in e-learning, erratic e-learning display, and video quality problem. Conclusion: Most of the students expressed positive opinions about the advantages of blended learning; according to them, learning was more efficient and effective, it enhanced learning motivation, and it provided comprehensive accessible learning materials.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: 1000 First Days of Life (1000FDL) training program is carried out for 2 years from the 3rd to 6th semester; in this program, students are asked to accompany pregnant women until their children are 2 years old. This study aimed to analyse undergraduate medical students' communication skills and empathy levels and determine the association between communication skills and empathy after the training program. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 176 undergraduate medical students in Hasanuddin University participated; they were enrolled in 1000FDL training program and selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using Modified Arabic Version of the ABIM's Patient Assessment (MAV-ABIM) and Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Student Version (JSE-S) questionnaires to assess their level of communication skills and empathy. In this study, demographic data were obtained using a semi-open-ended questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, and Spearman tests. Results: Communication skill was very good (83.5%), good (15.9%), and inadequate (0.6%), while the empathy level was high (9.1%), medium (25%), and low (65.9%). There was no significant difference between the level of communication skills (p-value 0.168) and empathy (p=0.145) based on gender, but there was a significant difference between <12 or >12 times interaction with the empathy level (p<0.001). The association between the level of communication showed that the level of empathy was significant (p<0.001, r=0.399). Conclusion: Undergraduate medical students had very good communication skills but low empathy levels. There was a positive association between communication skills and empathy level after the training program. The students' empathy level can be improved by increasing the frequency of interaction with patients in experiential learning through training programs.
