Abstract:

There has been much debate on the effective delivery of generic skills in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Competencies and attitudes such as altruism, accountability, integrity, lifelong learning and communication skills are central to the medical profession. The aim of this study was to explore the perception of facilitators towards the effectiveness of the PPD module in enhancing generic skills among medical students of UKMMC. PPD module was introduced into the new undergraduate medical curriculum of UKMMC in 2005. Data was gathered through a questionnaire given to the facilitators. The perception of the facilitators towards the soft skills acquired by the medical students during the small group discussion and their daily activities showed that about 70% of facilitators believed that PPD can prepare the medical students to be a better doctor with professionalism, having good communication skills with patients and peers. They perceived that students were able to: demonstrate coping skills (58.3%) and self management in the university environment (56.2 %), work effectively as team members (89.5%) and team leaders (72.9%), apply skills in decision making (62.5%), interpersonal communication (75%), critical thinking (54.2%), decision making (66.7%), imparting information (60.4%) and manage diversity in human spirituality among different ethnics and religions (70.6%). In conclusion, most facilitators perceived PPD module as a successful and effective program to incorporate soft skills among the medical students.

Keywords:

Perception, facilitators, generic skills, PPD, medical curriculum.