DREEM Study: Students Perceptions of Learning Environment in a Medical College in Mumbai, India

This study was carried out to assess medical education environment (MEE) at our institution and to determine if there is an association between the assessment scores and factors such as gender, residence, family educational background and medium of instruction during school years.

Students appearing for the final qualifying examination were enrolled in the cross-sectional survey after obtaining written informed consent. Demographic data and personal information such as place of residence, parental education and medium of instruction was collected. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) Questionnaire was used for assessment of MEE. The numerical variables were described in terms of mean and standard deviation, median and inter-quartile range and percentages. Independent t-test, one-way Anova, Mann-Whitney test and Kruskall- Wallis test were the analytical tests used depending upon the number of groups and characteristics of the data.

Fifty-five students were enrolled in the study. The overall DREEM score was 119+/-22 (Median 116), 46(83.64%) reported overall positive perception). Students' perception of atmosphere (SPA) scored highest as compared to other domains. Teacher-centered teaching with emphasis on factual learning, authoritarian teachers, boredom in the course and lacking support systems were some of the problem areas identified on the basis of students' perceptions. There was a significant difference in Students' academic self-perception (SASP) and students' social self-perception scores between students coming from urban and rural backgrounds.

Students reported an overall positive perception of MEE. Problem areas and research priorities were identified leading to a preparation of an action plan.