Application of Group Concept Mapping in Medical and Public Health Education

Group concept mapping (GCM) is a mixed-method participatory research approach that integrates stakeholder input to visually represent complex ideas and issues. Within medical and public health education, GCM has gained traction for its ability to synthesize diverse perspectives and guide decision-making in curriculum development, assessment, and support strategies.

This article details the GCM methodology and synthesizes the literature on its applied use in medical and public health education. Included studies employed GCM's multistep process-idea generation, sorting and rating, data analysis, and stakeholder interpretation-to identify thematic structures and inform educational practices. Studies involved varied participant groups, including students, faculty, health care providers, and community stakeholders, using both online and in-person modalities.

Across studies, GCM was used to address curriculum alignment, competency. development, student well-being, mentorship, diversity, and assessment. For instance, GCM revealed educational blind spots, guided development of interdisciplinary competencies, and prioritized public health outcomes. It also identified resilience factors and mentorship qualities critical for student and faculty development. In assessment contexts, GCM structured feedback mechanisms and clarified selection criteria for residency programs. The method consistently provided structured, stakeholder-informed visual maps to inform actionable changes.

GCM has proven to be a versatile and effective tool in medical and public health education. Its participatory nature enhances relevance, content validity, and stakeholder engagement, while its structured outputs support curricular reforms, competency development, and equity-driven initiatives. As the educational landscape evolves, GCM offers a valuable methodology for navigating complexity and fostering inclusive, evidence-informed strategies.