Setting Objectives for a Competency-based Undergraduate Obstetrics and Gynecology Curriculum

Little emphasis on standardization, less stringent outcome measurement and resource constrains can result in deteriorating competencies among medical graduates in a country with rapidly increasing number of medical institutions like India. A competency-based curriculum is where we carefully design curricular experiences to achieve pre-identified outcomes. In this study, we aimed to define the outcome objectives of a competency-based undergraduate Obstetrics and Gynaecology curriculum which is comprehensive, and is based on the present day need of our society. These objectives can serve as the basis for designing a suitable curriculum with aligned teaching learning and assessment methods.

This is an observational study in which a Delphi technique was used to identify the outcome objectives representing competencies specific to the subject of obstetrics and gynaecology at graduate level. The six core competencies identified by Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Council formed the framework to identify these competencies. Then, a cross-sectional countrywide survey was conducted among purposively sampled teachers and clinical experts through a postal questionnaire to know the relative importance of the identified outcome measures and need for their inclusion in a contemporary outcome-based curriculum.

Ninety four medical teachers and clinical experts, belonging to institutes across the county, with demonstrable interest and expertise in the field of medical education identified 38 outcome objectives for the curriculum. There were twenty one "vital", fourteen "essential", two "desirable" and one "optional" outcome objectives identified. There were eighteen outcome objectives for "patient care" domain, nine for "medical knowledge", four for "Practice based learning and improvement", three for "professionalism", two for "system based practice", and two for "interpersonal and communication skills".

The outcome objectives for a competency-based obstetrics and gynaecology curriculum in an Indian context were defined.