Essential embryology for the Canadian pathologists' assistant.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pathology
• Embryology

Background:

• Pathologists' assistants (PAs) require embryology knowledge for accurate pathology assessment.
• Embryology is often inadequately covered in PA training curricula.
• Vocationally relevant embryology topics must be identified for efficient PA education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine essential embryology learning objectives (LOs) for pathologists' assistants.
• To establish consensus on embryology LOs among practicing PAs and pathologists.

Main Methods:

• An initial list of 85 embryology LOs was developed across 16 themes.
• Practicing PAs and pathologists rated LO essentiality via an online survey.
• The Lawshe content validity method quantified consensus among 115 respondents.

Main Results:

• Fifteen embryology LOs were identified as statistically essential for PA practice.
• Essential LOs covered terminology, neurulation, placenta, and major organ systems.
• PAs identified more essential LOs (14) than pathologists (6), with variations based on experience and training.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence-based list of essential embryology LOs for PAs.
• Curricula can be streamlined using these 15 LOs to enhance vocational relevance.
• Discrepancies in knowledge expectations highlight the need for stakeholder dialogue in curriculum development.