Applying a quality assurance system model to curriculum transformation: transferable lessons learned

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Curriculum Development
• Quality Assurance

Background:

• Modern medical education requires curriculum transformation.
• Organizational management and quality assurance are crucial for curriculum transformation.
• Damascus University initiated a curriculum transformation in 2008.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the principles and structures applied to the initial phase of curriculum transformation at Damascus University.
• To share early lessons learned from the transformation process.
• To provide a model for other universities in developing countries.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a quality assurance model for curriculum transformation.
• Development of a framework for organizational management.
• Resource planning and governance structure establishment.
• Risk analysis and mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

• Established a concept for realizing curriculum transformation.
• Created a framework for organizational management, resolving role conflicts.
• Secured resources and established governance structures.
• Conducted systematic risk analysis with mitigation measures.

Conclusions:

• The initial phase of curriculum transformation at Damascus University was based on a quality assurance model.
• Lessons learned from this process can be applied to other developing countries' universities.
• Effective organizational management is key to successful curriculum transformation.