77 percent of Indian medical students feel overwhelmed: Elsevier's Clinician of the Future 2023 Report

New Delhi: 77% of Indian Medical students feel overwhelmed compared to 72% of global medical students, a recent report released by Elsevier has stated 

Elsevier, a global leader in scientific information and data analytics, announced the findings from its ''Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition'' report, shedding light on the attitudes and perceptions of Indian medical and nursing students towards technology-driven healthcare and patient empowerment.

The report gathered insights from a sample of 2,212 students from around the world, including 432 students from India, and provides valuable insights into the future of healthcare delivery and the role of clinicians against an increasingly digital landscape.

‘Feeling Overwhelmed’

The report reveals a significant concern among Indian medical and nursing students regarding the overwhelming amount of information they need to consume for their studies.

A staggering 77% of Indian respondents reported feeling overwhelmed, compared to 72% of global students. This highlights the dire need for innovative educational approaches that can help students effectively manage and process the vast amount of healthcare knowledge.

‘Embracing AI & Social Media’

Elsevier’s landmark “Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition” report highlights new opportunities for technology and social media platforms to provide relief for India’s healthcare force.

Despite the challenges and potential risks, Indian students are actively embracing technology to enhance their learning experience. The report found that 61% of Indian students have used generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools such as Bard and ChatGPT, for their education, compared to 51% of global students.

Additionally, 60% of Indian nursing students indicated that their instructors encourage the use of GAI tools for educational purposes. This suggests a growing acceptance of GAI as a valuable tool to supplement traditional teaching methods.

Meanwhile, social media is also playing a significant role in the learning process for Indian medical and nursing students. The report revealed that 83% of Indian respondents use social media to learn about healthcare topics, compared to 74% of global students who participated in the report. This reflects the increasing popularity of online platforms and social media communities as sources of healthcare information for students.

‘Shifting Healthcare Landscape’

Indian medical and nursing students shared optimistic views about the future of healthcare delivery. 85% of Indian respondents believe that public health should be a priority within a clinician's role in the next ten years.

Additionally, 56% of Indian students agree that a significant portion of healthcare services will shift to a patient's home, while 65% expect to work remotely in the future.

Report findings from “Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition” further underscore the anticipated transformation of healthcare towards a more patient-centric and technology-driven approach.

“Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition” provides valuable insights into the perspectives of Indian medical and nursing students on the future of healthcare delivery. Their outlook on technology, their focus on public health, and their recognition of patient empowerment signal a generation of clinicians ready to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

Besides providing a snapshot of current sentiments, these findings also anticipate the transformative trends shaping the healthcare and education sectors in India and beyond as technology continues to shape the healthcare industry,

The report unveils a compelling narrative which Shanker Kaul, Managing Director, India Health, Elsevier, said are sentiments shared by Indian students not of isolated concerns but opportunities for collective action.

Mr. Kaul said: "The openness with which Indian students’ embrace generative AI and social media as learning platforms as well as their vision of a patient-centric healthcare delivery system align with the evolving landscape of healthcare in India. As stakeholders in this transformation, we have an opportunity to bridge the gap between the aspirations of tomorrow's clinicians and the realities of today's healthcare infrastructure. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we can empower our medical and nursing students to become the clinicians of the future, shaping a healthcare system that is accessible, equitable, and patient-driven.”