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Implementing an online curriculum management database in a problem-based learning curriculum
Joshua Jacobs1, Albert Salas, Terri Cameron
1Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1356 Lusitana Street, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
Summary
Medical schools can improve curriculum management by transitioning from paper to online databases. Implementing the Curriculum Management and Information Tool (CurrMIT) enhances data accuracy and reporting for better educational processes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Curriculum Development
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Managing medical school curricula presents challenges due to vast, evolving knowledge.
- Ensuring curriculum balance, eliminating redundancy, and identifying gaps requires continuous oversight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation of an online curriculum management tool at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).
- To detail the transition from a paper-based system to the Curriculum Management and Information Tool (CurrMIT).
Main Methods:
- Transitioned from paper-based curriculum tracking to the online CurrMIT database in 2003.
- Course directors entered data, scrutinized content, and aligned objectives with content.
- Implemented a keyword meta-data strategy for tagging curriculum elements.
Main Results:
- The CurrMIT tool facilitated data entry and curriculum structuring, presenting unique implementation challenges.
- Despite initial difficulties, report generation became easier and more accurate.
- Significant benefits were observed for course directors and the curriculum oversight committee.
Conclusions:
- The adoption of CurrMIT improved curriculum oversight and the educational process at JABSOM.
- The implemented strategy, including meta-data tagging, has been successfully adapted by other institutions.
- Online database tools offer a viable solution for complex medical school curriculum management.