Evaluation of diploma in bioethics programme, Karachi, Pakistan: An educational research

To perform an outcome-based evaluation of the diploma programme initiated in 2006 at the Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture.

The broad based evaluation was done at the Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from July 2011 to June 2012 and comprised pass out batches from 2006 to 2010. Outcome logic model was applied through a questionnaire-based approach. Emails were sent to the graduates, containing a mix of closed and open-ended questions. Quantitative feedback was analysed for frequencies and percentages. Content analysis was conducted for open-ended responses. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis.

Four batches had graduated in the five-year study period. A total of 50 students had been enrolled, while 41(82%) graduated. Of them, 31(76%) graduates responded. Overall, 10(24%) graduates completed their Masters in bioethics, and 16(39%) were involved in institutional ethics committee. All (100%) believed the diploma had increased their knowledge of ethics and they were involved in disseminating the acquired knowledge through presentations, seminars/conferences 29(93.5%), teaching and awareness activities 22(71%). Besides, 28(90%) respondents believed their behaviour had changed and 27(87%)were improving the quality of work and environment, while 18(58%) had published related articles after their diploma.

The programme was found to have achieved its objective during the first five years of its inception.