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

Curriculum review is a core component of postgraduate medical education, with implications for trainees, educators, and healthcare systems. In 2021, the Irish College of General Practitioners assumed full responsibility for national GP training in Ireland, creating an opportunity for comprehensive curriculum redesign. The redesign reduced curricular complexity, enhanced usability, and strengthened constructive alignment. Digitizing the curriculum improved accessibility, enables real-time updates, and supports learner engagement through multimedia. A structured governance framework, including ongoing review and audit cycles, has been established.

A redesign was undertaken, guided by constructive alignment and established curriculum theory. One thousand seven hundred intended learning outcomes from the 2020 curriculum were critically reviewed, consolidated, and reformulated into 500 higher-level Professional Standards Statements. A multi-stage process included expert review, iterative committee evaluation, consensus meetings, equity diversity and inclusion review, and national stakeholder consultation. Curriculum content was mapped to national and international frameworks. Migration to a digital platform was completed. New content areas, informed by needs assessment include Artificial Intelligence & Medical Technology, Leadership, Traveller Health, and Haematology.

This national curriculum redesign demonstrates how outcome consolidation, stakeholder engagement, and digital innovation can enhance curriculum coherence and sustainability in postgraduate training. Key lessons include the importance of usability, constructive alignment, flexible incorporation of emerging topics, and rigorous governance. These insights may inform similar initiatives internationally.