A new approach to course development in geriatric medicine

A new course in Geriatric Medicine was initially conducted in four District General Hospitals, ten students attending each centre. The course, in the second clinical year, was established in the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Birmingham University by Professor Isaacs. The interview technique described was used from the outset as a means of formative evaluation. Undergraduates were randomly selected from each centre at the end of a course, and the results incorporated into a written report which was corrected by the students and distributed to the tutors. The results proved invaluable in evaluating students needs, attitudes and responses to the course. The interview gave unique information not obtainable from questionnaires, essays or exam questions, and enhanced the students feelings of participation in course development. Overall the information seems reliable and consistent and a valuable tool in curriculum design. The time involved was not excessive and leads us to recommend this approach as one method for continuing curriculum development which involves both the students and the tutors.