Development and alignment of undergraduate medical curricula in a web-based, dynamic Learning Opportunities, Objectives and Outcome Platform (LOOOP)

Abstract

Introduction: This study presents a web-based method and its interface ensuring alignment of all parts of a curriculum map including competencies, objectives, teaching and assessment methods, workload and patient availability. Needs, acceptance and effectiveness are shown through a nine-year study.

Methods: After a comprehensive needs assessment, the curriculum map and a web-based interface “Learning Opportunities, Objectives and Outcome Platform” (LOOOP) were developed according to Harden’s conceptual framework of 10-steps for curriculum mapping. The outcome was measured by surveys and results of interdisciplinary MCQ-assessments. The usage rates and functionalities were analysed.

Results: The implementation of LOOOP was significantly associated with improved perception of the curriculum structure by teachers and students, quality of defined objectives and their alignment with teaching and assessment, usage by students to prepare examinations and their scores in interdisciplinary MCQ-assessment. Additionally, LOOOP improved the curriculum coordination by faculty, and assisted departments for identifying patient availability for clinical training.

Conclusion: LOOOP is well accepted among students and teachers, has positive effect on curriculum development, facilitates effective utilisation of educational resources and improves student’s outcomes. Currently, LOOOP is used in five undergraduate medical curricula including 85,000 mapped learning opportunities (lectures, seminars), 5000 registered users (students, teachers) and 380,000 yearly page-visits.

Practice points

• Student-centred, competency-based medical education is a great challenge, as teaching and assessment require large financial and human resources during curriculum development and execution.

• Teacher shortage and work intensification reduce available time for curriculum development and for lesson preparation and therefore require fast, self-explanatory information for teachers and students about what should be taught or learned when.

• Curriculum mapping and supporting web-based interfaces increase efficiency of development and maintenance of medical curricula and enable fast access to all necessary information for students and faculty.

Declaration of interest: There is no conflict of interest to report.

Notes

1. Charité currently runs five different undergraduate and 12 postgraduate curricula for a total of 6000 students.