Authors :
Dr. Jaybhaye P.; Dr. Potdar A.; Dr. Jaybhaye D.
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/59p5zpmm
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/yjk9s9ze
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1975
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Phenol is a highly lethal, fat soluble, and corrosive agent capable of causing local and systemic toxicity, including
central nervous system depression, cardiovascular collapse, and acute renal failure. Given the complex pathophysiology and
high mortality associated with phenol poisoning, medical learners face significant challenges in mastering and applying this
knowledge clinically. Traditional "teaching as talking" lectures often fall short of preparing students for real world clinical
execution, highlighting the need for active and authentic learning strategies. This study evaluates whether integrating
authentic, application-based questions into the toxicology curriculum significantly enhances learners comprehension,
retention, and practical clinical readiness in managing acute phenol poisoning. An observational study was conducted
utilizing a cohort of 45 participants, divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 31 students who were exposed to
application-based questions in addition to didactic lectures. Group B consisted of 14 students who received only didactic
teaching. The application based core intervention immersed learners in high stakes clinical scenarios, requiring them to
synthesize data and formulate immediate action plans rather than relying on rote memorization. The comparative analysis
yielded significant differences in learner outcomes between the two teaching methodologies. Participants exposed to
application-based questions successfully translated theoretical toxicology into time-critical interventions, showing marked
improvement in identifying unique diagnostic clues like "carboluria" (dark green or black urine) and recognizing critical
contraindications such as avoiding emesis.
Keywords :
Toxicology; Carbolic Acid; Phenol; Teaching Methods; Poison.
References :
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- Horch R, Spilker G, Stark GB. Phenol burns and intoxications. Burns. 1994 Feb;20(1):45-50.
- Downs JW, Wills BK. Phenol Toxicity. [Updated 2023 Mar 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542311
- Vearrier D, Jacobs D, Greenberg MI. Phenol Toxicity Following Cutaneous Exposure to Creolin®: A Case Report. J Med Toxicol. 2015 Jun;11(2):227-31.
- Lin CH, Yang JY. Chemical burn with cresol intoxication and multiple organ failure. Burns. 1992;18(2):162-166
- Bruce RM, Santodonato J, Neal MW. Summary review of the health effects associated with phenol. Toxicology and Industrial Health. 1987;3(4):535-568
- Giri PP, Sinha R, Sikka S, Meur S. Acute carbolic acid poisoning: A report of four cases. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2016 Nov;20(11):668-670.
- Gupta S, Ashrith G, Chandra D, Gupta AK, Finkel KW, Guntupalli JS. Acute phenol poisoning: a life-threatening hazard of chronic pain relief. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2008 Mar;46(3):250-3.
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Phenol. Atlanta (GA): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 2008
- Ghosh S. Self-injection of intravenous carbolic acid and multiorgan failure. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2014 Jan;18(1):43-5.
- Carbolic Acid (phenol) - Poisoning Center [Internet]. www.pediatriconcall.com. Available from: https://www.pediatriconcall.com/poisoning-center/carbolic-acid-phenol/63
- Kamijo Y, Soma K, Fukuda M, Asari Y, Ohwada T. Rabbit syndrome following phenol ingestion. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1999;37(4):509-11.
- Gohiya P, Dwivedi R. Ingestion of Phenol (Carbolic Acid) Leading to Ventricular Fibrillation. Indian J Pediatr. 2016
- Haddad LM, Dimond KA, Schweistris JE. Phenol poisoning. JACEP. 1979 Jul;8(7):267-9.
- Foxall PJD, Bending MR, Gartland KPR, Nicholson JK. Acute Renal Failure Following Accidental Cutaneous Absorption of Phenol: Application of NMR Urinalysis to Monitor the Disease Process. Human Toxicol. 1989;9:491-496.
- Merliss RR. Phenol marasmus. J Occup Med. 1972 Jan;14(1):55-6.
- University of Minnesota. Pedagogy - Diversifying Your Teaching Methods, Learning Activities, and Assignments | Center for Educational Innovation [Internet]. cei.umn.edu. 2023. Available from: https://cei.umn.edu/teaching-resources/inclusive-teaching-predominantly-white-institution/pedagogy-diversifying-your-teaching-methods-learning-activities-and-assignments
Phenol is a highly lethal, fat soluble, and corrosive agent capable of causing local and systemic toxicity, including
central nervous system depression, cardiovascular collapse, and acute renal failure. Given the complex pathophysiology and
high mortality associated with phenol poisoning, medical learners face significant challenges in mastering and applying this
knowledge clinically. Traditional "teaching as talking" lectures often fall short of preparing students for real world clinical
execution, highlighting the need for active and authentic learning strategies. This study evaluates whether integrating
authentic, application-based questions into the toxicology curriculum significantly enhances learners comprehension,
retention, and practical clinical readiness in managing acute phenol poisoning. An observational study was conducted
utilizing a cohort of 45 participants, divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 31 students who were exposed to
application-based questions in addition to didactic lectures. Group B consisted of 14 students who received only didactic
teaching. The application based core intervention immersed learners in high stakes clinical scenarios, requiring them to
synthesize data and formulate immediate action plans rather than relying on rote memorization. The comparative analysis
yielded significant differences in learner outcomes between the two teaching methodologies. Participants exposed to
application-based questions successfully translated theoretical toxicology into time-critical interventions, showing marked
improvement in identifying unique diagnostic clues like "carboluria" (dark green or black urine) and recognizing critical
contraindications such as avoiding emesis.
Keywords :
Toxicology; Carbolic Acid; Phenol; Teaching Methods; Poison.