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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
17:28
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Based Developmental Toxicity Assays for Chemical Safety Screening and Systems Biology Data Generation
Published on: June 17, 2015
Core competencies required by toxicology graduates in order to function effectively in a Poisons Information Centre:
C J Marks1,2, A J N Louw1, I Couper1,3
1Centre for Health Professions Education, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Summary
This study identified essential competencies for Medical Toxicology graduates using the Delphi technique. Consensus was reached on 118 core competencies, aiming to improve toxicology education and poison management globally.
Area of Science:
- Medical Toxicology
- Higher Education
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited availability of trained Medical Toxicologists in developing countries necessitates improved education.
- Inadequate Medical Toxicology education contributes to a knowledge gap in poisoning management.
- A need exists to define core competencies for toxicology graduates working in Poisons Information Centres.
Purpose of the Study:
- To obtain consensus from an expert group on core competencies for Medical Toxicology graduates.
- To inform the development of an effective Medical Toxicology curriculum.
- To enhance the management of poisonings through improved education.
Main Methods:
- The Delphi technique was employed, involving three iterative rounds of expert feedback.
- A literature review and existing curricula informed the selection of 134 competencies.
- The Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform was used for questionnaire management.
Main Results:
- Consensus was achieved on 118 out of 134 (88%) competencies after three rounds.
- Experts agreed that 113 (96%) of these competencies should be included in a Medical Toxicology curriculum.
- Effective communication was identified as an essential skill for toxicology graduates.
Conclusions:
- The Delphi method effectively established consensus on learning outcomes for a Medical Toxicology curriculum.
- The identified competencies and curriculum recommendations can enhance Medical Toxicology education.
- Curriculum design must consider the specific context in which it will be applied.
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