Family adoption programme in India: barriers and challenges to the medical students and healthcare workers

Abstract

Background: India is a country where 65.5% of the population resides in a rural setup. The government of India in an attempt to address the health needs has set up various health programmes and facilities. Despite various efforts the access to health care is deficient at times for this majority of the population. Aim was to share experience of faculties, healthcare workers and students in implementation of first family adoption program in a new private medical college. Objective was to assess challenges, barriers and difficulties faced during implementation of family adoption program in a private medical college.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in 100 1^st year MBBS students and 10-15 healthcare workers. family adoption program in our institute was conducted for MBBS 2023-24 batch. Department of Community Medicine prepared a team of Professor and Head of the Department, one senior faculty, two Assistant Professors, one Community Development Officer and 4 ASHA workers. Total 9 slots of 3 hrs including introduction of FAP, presentation of family information and logbook assessment were conducted.

Results: Distance of the village from the institute, shortage of logistics, availability of buses, shortage of manpower and management of 100 students in the field area, lack of cooperation from families, convince the families regarding student’s frequent visits and workload and time management were some difficulties reported by the faculties and ASHA workers. 40% students reported language barriers, 45% students faced non-cooperation from the families in initial visits etc. 90% students felt their communication skill was improved during the visits.

Conclusions: On a positive note, FAP is helpful to Indian medical graduates in improving communication skill and understanding of rural set up and health care and bridging the gap between rural and urban health care systems.