A cross-sectional study of basic education influence on the clinical training: Attitudes and perception among Jordanian medical students

BACKGROUND: Over the past century, the medical educational model has been static with no significant improvement. Studies show that students are leaning towards a more active, dynamic, learner-centered education model that fits their needs and encourages them to be more responsible for their learning. Thus, we conducted this study to investigate Jordanian medical students' perceptions and attitudes towards the value of basic sciences in their clinical training. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study that utilized an online, self-administered questionnaire targeting medical students in their clinical years. The questionnaire comprises 5 domains targeting students' perceptions, attitudes, and suggestions of the medical educational system in general and basic sciences in specific. RESULTS: Overall, 578 medical students completed the survey with a male to female ratio of 0.7, and 56% of participants studied were studying at Mutah University, while 42% were at the University of Jordan. Approximately three-fourth (73.9%) of the students reported that basic medical sciences are critical to their development as physicians. Approximately, 82% believe that it is vital to integrate the clinical practice into basic science teaching. Besides, 82.4% of students agreed that faculty members' teaching style influences the educational content's delivery at the basic level. Moreover, 73% of students lean towards the inclusion of problem-based learning into their curriculums. On the other hand, 41.7% of students reject basic science questions in their written clinical exams. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the positive attitudes of Jordanian medical students towards basic medical sciences. It also demonstrates that students are more comfortable with an active and dynamic educational model that fits their needs and qualifications. Thus, we recommend a student-centered medical educational model trail to maximize learning and teaching efficiency and develop competent medical practitioners.