“Sensitization-Immersion-Reflection”: A Structured Approach to AETCOM learning in Phase-2 MBBS Students

Authors

  • Manisha S Mane Professor, Department of Microbiology, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad, India Author
  • Syeda Saba Hashmiya Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2274-6190
  • Sudha Bala Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51957/Healthline_814_2026

Keywords:

AETCOM, Medical Ethics, Reflective Learning, SIR Approach

Abstract

Introduction: Medical education is a multidimensional discipline encompassing knowledge, clinical skills, attitudes, and effective communication, which are pivotal in shaping competent healthcare professionals.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sensitization-Immersion-Reflection framework as an innovative method to enhance learning and assessment of AETCOM competencies.Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the S I R framework in Enhancing Phase-2 MBBS students' understanding and application of AETCOM competencies.Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sensitization Immersion Reflection framework in enhancing understanding and application of AETCOM competencies. The interventional study was conducted over a period of 3 months and included a sensitization session on ethical concepts  through interactive large group teaching followed by an Immersion Phase which featured role plays, case discussions, and cinemeducation to deepen understanding. The understanding and analysis of the students were further assessed in the Reflection Phase through guided reflective writing. Results: 105 students were part of the study, The observations were recorded in terms of knowledge, attitude and communication. Significant improvements were observed in their Knowledge on ethical concepts, post-intervention students demonstrated a significant increase in their ability to identify key ethical principles, as reflected in their reflective writing and discussions. Attitudes: 43% strongly agreed on discussing ethics during clinical rounds, and 38.7% supported respecting patients wishes. 98.9% of students revealed increased awareness of the complexities of ethical dilemmas encountered during role plays.Conclusion: The S-I-R approach effectively enhanced bioethics knowledge shifted attitudes toward ethical practice, and provided valuable feedback.

References

1. Neumann M, Scheffer C, Tauschel D, Lutz G, Wirtz M, Edelhäuser F. Physician empathy: definition, outcome-relevance and its measurement in patient care and medical education. GMS Z Med Ausbild. 2012;29(1):Doc11.

2. Medical Council of India. AETCOM, Attitude, ethics & communication, 2018: pp 1-94.

3. Jain S, Mahajan G, MahajanN. S-I-R approach to teach and learn Attitude, Ethics & Communication (AETCOM). GAIMS J Med Sci 2022;2(1):13-14.

4. Ghosh A, Bir A. Role of written examination in the assessment of attitude ethics and communication in medical students: Perceptions of medical faculties. J Educ Health Promot. 2021 Jan 28;10:23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_424_20

5. Sharma V, Aggarwal M, Kumari P, Parashar L, Bhati RK, Singh A, et al. Impact of AETCOM module about autonomy, empathy and equanimity on ensuing clinical practice: Perceptions of medical undergraduates. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2024;68:344-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPP_346_2023

6. Sethi S, Dabas R. Role-play – An effective tool to teach communication skills in pediatrics to medical undergraduates: Comments. J Edu Health Promot 2019;8:212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_267_19

7. Krishnan DG, Keloth AV, Ahmad S, Pg M. Role Play versus Small Group Discussion in Teaching Prescription Communication Skills: A Comparative Study on students of Phase Two of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Course. J Adv Med Educ Prof. 2023 Jan;11(1):34-41.

8. Tayem YI, Altabtabaei AS, Mohamed MW, Arrfedi MM, Aljawder HS, Aldebous FA, et al. Competence of medical students in communicating drug therapy: Value of role play demonstrations. Indian J Pharmacol. 2016;48:37–41. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.174517. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.174517

9. Sandars J, The use of reflection in medical education: AMEE Guide No. 44 Medical Teacher 2009; 31: 685–695. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01421590903050374

10. Tikare & Dhundasi, , Reflective writing: Experience of first professional medical students with Attitude ethics and communication module, South-East Asian Journal of Medical Education Vol. 15, no. 1, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/seajme.v15i1.260

11. Zayapragassarazan Z, Kumar S, Kadambari D. Record review of feedback of participants on attitude, ethics and communication module (AETCOM) proposed by Medical Council of India (MCI). Education in Medicine Journal. 2019;11(1):43–48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21315/eimj2019.11.1.5

12. Braun V, Clarke V. Supporting best practice in reflexive thematic analysis reporting in Palliative Medicine: A review of published research and introduction to the Reflexive Thematic Analysis Reporting Guidelines (RTARG). Palliat Med. 2024 Jun;38(6):608-616. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163241234800

Downloads

Published

31-03-2026

Issue

Section

Original Articles

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Mane MS, Hashmiya SS, Bala S. “Sensitization-Immersion-Reflection”: A Structured Approach to AETCOM learning in Phase-2 MBBS Students. Healthline. 2026;17(1):20-30. doi:10.51957/Healthline_814_2026