Delivering endocrinology and reproduction in an integrated modular curriculum

To ascertain the perceptions of students and faculty of Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad regarding the delivery of Endocrinology and Reproduction module as a component of the newly introduced Integrated Modular Curriculum.

A descriptive study, using mixed qualitative and quantitative method, starting from June 6 to August 15 2008. A period of 10 weeks was spent on the study including 8 weeks of planning, 2 weeks of delivery and assessment and a 2 weeks period of post hoc analysis and data collection. A multidisciplinary team of faculty developed themes, clinical cases, objectives and table of specification of the Endocrinology and Reproduction Module for Fourth Year MBBS Class. Continuous assessment was done by theme-based assignments and student presentations. Summative assessment was done by Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions. Likert scale-based student feedback questionnaire was administered while the students were also encouraged to comment on the module for improvement. Feedback was obtained from the faculty in a similar manner.

Out of a class of 86 students, 47 (55%) agreed to a balance between basic and clinical concepts addressed in the module, 21 (24%) agreed that emphasis on clinical concepts was appropriate, 37 (43%) agreed that learning strategies were well integrated, 50 (58%) were of the opinion that the assigned learning material was consistent with the session objectives, while 39 (45%) agreed that case-based instruction was useful, and 40 (47%) students were of the opinion that large group discussion was useful. Faculty feedback was positive towards integrated learning.

Integrated Endocrinology and Reproduction module received mixed response from students. This led us to modify and tailor the curriculum to better cater for the needs of students. Feedback from students and faculty is essential for improvement in the quality of educational interventions.