Determining the Perception of Medical Students Regarding the Advantages and Disadvantages of Integrated Modular System (IMS) at Central Park Medical College, Lahore

Medical Students' Perceptions of Integrated Modular System

Abstract

Introduction: The Integrated Modular System (IMS) has recently evolved as an important strategy, and its implementation into current teaching methods at different medical colleges has led to many problems faced by both faculty and students.

Objective: To determine the perception of 1st-year medical students regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the integrated modular system at Central Park Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at CPMC. A total of 150 first-year MBBS students were enrolled through universal sampling. Data were collected via an online Google Form shared through email and WhatsApp, with a two-week response window. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with the study power set at 80%.

Results: The results support the effectiveness of the modular teaching approach. First-year medical students reported that small group discussions (38.7%), presentations (34.1%), frequent tests (49.6%), and flipped classrooms (34.1%) were particularly beneficial. These methods aided long-term memorization (32.5%), deep and conceptual learning (34.1%), and time management (24%). A notable improvement was seen in student–teacher interaction at the individual level (41.8%). However, 36.4% of students identified increased stress as a drawback of the integrated modular system.

Conclusion: The results of this study strongly suggest that the advantages of the integrated modular system are long-term memorization, frequent tests, and student interaction with teachers; moreover, small group discussions, presentations, and flip classes improved their learning. The most identified disadvantage in students’ perception was that the faculty were facing issues in teaching and unnecessary stress.