Bioethics curriculum for undergraduate medical students: an evaluation study utilizing mixed methods approach

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Bioethics Curriculum Development
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• A private medical college in Pakistan introduced an undergraduate bioethics curriculum in 1988, revised in 2009.
• The curriculum was integrated spirally within a problem-based learning framework.
• This evaluation covers 10 years of the integrated bioethics curriculum within a five-year medical program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of an integrated bioethics curriculum.
• To evaluate student achievement, course content appropriateness, and instructional method efficiency.
• To gather insights for enhancing bioethics education in medical schools.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was employed.
• Quantitative data collected via online questionnaires.
• Qualitative data gathered through focus group discussions and document review to explain quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• Curriculum content deemed relevant, informative, and appropriate by students and faculty.
• Multi-modal teaching methods were effective; small groups preferred over large lectures.
• Bioethics education positively impacted students' personal, professional development, knowledge, skills, and ethical behavior.

Conclusions:

• An effective bioethics curriculum should be longitudinal and integrated throughout the 5-year medical program.
• Knowledge and skills are acquired in early years, with reinforcement and application in later clinical years.
• Clinical faculty involvement is crucial for reinforcing ethical principles and addressing dilemmas.