Scholarly Article
Integrating Physiology and Pharmacology Through Simulation-Based Learning: Perceptions of Phase II MBBS Students of a Medical College in Northeast India.
Nongthombam Surjit, Rajkumar Arbind Singh, Yumnam Ramananda
2026-10-16 · International Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Research · Sumathi Publications
Abstract
Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) offers a safe, interactive setting for linking theoretical knowledge with clinical application. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a demanding topic that requires students to integrate physiology, pharmacology, and clinical reasoning. This study assessed Phase II MBBS students' perceptions of SBL for the integrated teaching of ANS physiology and pharmacology. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2026 jointly by the Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology of a medical college in Northeast India. Of 100 students invited, 86 consented to participate. Students attended six one-hour SBL sessions on ANS physiology and pharmacology using the Ex-Pharm computer-assisted learning simulation software. Perceptions were then recorded with an expert-validated 15-item questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale and analysed descriptively. Results: Participants had a mean age of 21.3 ± 1.39 years; 46 (53.5%) were female. Perceptions were largely favourable, with mean scores of 3.72 to 4.03 on all 12 items describing benefits. The highest-rated item was understanding the clinical relevance of ANS pharmacology (87.2% agreement; mean 4.03 ± 0.66), followed by active engagement (86.0%; 3.98 ± 0.74) and a realistic, safe learning environment (83.7%; 3.97 ± 0.69). Most students also reported better integration of physiological and pharmacological concepts (77.9%) and greater confidence in clinical application (76.7%). Views on the limitations of SBL were divided: only 37.2% agreed that it should replace real-patient contact in clinical examinations, and the same proportion that it reduces the need for teacher involvement. Conclusion: Students perceived SBL as a useful complement to, but not a substitute for, teacher-guided learning and real-patient interaction in integrated ANS teaching. Studies using objective learning outcomes and comparison groups are needed to establish its effectiveness.
Keywords
Simulation-based learning, autonomic nervous system, integrated teaching, physiology, pharmacology, medical education
Citation Details
International Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Research, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 1-7