Methods used and lessons learnt: a post-graduate general practice curriculum redesign initiative from Ireland

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Curriculum Development
• General Practice Training

Background:

• Postgraduate medical education relies on curriculum review for effective training.
• The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) took over national GP training in 2021, prompting a curriculum overhaul.
• The redesign aimed to simplify the curriculum, improve user experience, and ensure better alignment of learning outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To redesign the national General Practice (GP) training curriculum in Ireland.
• To enhance curriculum coherence, usability, and sustainability through consolidation and digitization.
• To integrate emerging medical topics and ensure alignment with national and international standards.

Main Methods:

• Consolidated 1,700 learning outcomes into 500 Professional Standards Statements using constructive alignment principles.
• Employed a multi-stage review process involving experts, committees, stakeholders, and equity/diversity/inclusion assessments.
• Migrated the curriculum to a digital platform and incorporated new content areas like AI, Leadership, Traveller Health, and Haematology.

Main Results:

• Reduced curricular complexity and improved alignment between intended learning outcomes and professional standards.
• Enhanced accessibility and learner engagement through a digitized curriculum with multimedia capabilities.
• Successfully integrated new, relevant content areas into the postgraduate training program.

Conclusions:

• The national curriculum redesign successfully improved coherence and sustainability via outcome consolidation and digital innovation.
• Key factors for success included usability, constructive alignment, adaptability to new topics, and robust governance.
• The insights gained can guide international efforts in postgraduate medical curriculum development.