Declining clinical skills in medical education: A perspective on its causes and potential solutions

Abstract

The medical education is undergoing decline in clinical training during the last 40 years. The Medical Interview of the patient and Physical Examination to arrive at a provisional diagnosis are replaced mostly by advanced diagnostic tests and procedures, after enquiry of the symptoms. This is leading to wrong diagnoses, delayed diagnoses, increase in cost, unfavorable outcome and many a time litigation and compensation against the doctor and hospital. The article outlines cause of decline in clinical skill and points to possible solution.