Year: 2026 | Month: June | Volume: 16 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 28-36
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260603
Effectiveness of Video Teaching Versus Bedside Demonstration for Anthropometric Measurements Among Medical Undergraduates
Jisha J Chakkalackal1, Veny John Akkarakaran2
1Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, KMCT Medical College, KUHS University, Kozhikode, Kerala.
2Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, KMCT Medical College, KUHS University, Kozhikode, Kerala.
Corresponding Author: Jisha J Chakkalackal
ABSTRACT
Background: Teaching learning methods are continuously upgraded in the field of medical education. The educators have to utilise technology advancements to create an interactive learning environment. Video-based education is one such method. Video teaching offers several advantages; but it is debatable whether videos can substitute bedside demonstration.
Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of teaching anthropometric measurements among medical undergraduates using video teaching and bedside demonstration and to assess students’ perceptions towards these two methods.
Materials and methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted over a period of three months in the Department of Pediatrics. Fifty-eight Phase II MBBS students participated in the study. They were divided into two equal groups and taught six anthropometric measurements. One group underwent video teaching and the other had bedside demonstration. The interventions were switched over after the first three topics. Post intervention OSCE tests were done on the same day and after one week. The scores were compared using appropriate statistical tests. A validated questionnaire was used to assess students’ perceptions.
Results: The overall immediate post intervention score was higher in the bedside group (mean=4.54 ± 0.48) compared to the video teaching group (mean=4.16 ± 0.66) which was statistically significant (p =0.0001). The test conducted after one week demonstrated a marginally higher score for the video group than the bedside group but it was not statistically significant (p=0.52). Students’ perceptions revealed a greater preference for bedside method as 97% of them considered this approach to be engaging and interesting.
Conclusion: The study found that bedside teaching was a better method compared to video teaching to demonstrate anthropometric parameters to medical undergraduates. Video instruction can support or augment traditional teaching techniques but it cannot replace bedside tutorials.
Key words: Bedside demonstration, Anthropometric measurements, Video teaching