Dimensions of challenges in transformation from traditional to integrated modular curriculum - Experiences from Pakistan

Sajid Aziz; Gohar Wajid; Rehan Ahmed Khan; Fatima Zia Zaidi

doi:10.12669/pjms.39.6.6730

Sajid Aziz Nawaz Sharif Medical College, Gujrat, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4653-8749
Gohar Wajid Technical officer, World Health Organization (WHO), Cairo, Egypt https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1871-5130
Rehan Ahmed Khan Professor of surgery, Assistant Dean Medical Education and Chairperson Assessment Committee at Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8045-1471
Fatima Zia Zaidi Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Education, University College of Medicine, The University of Lahore, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7351-1114

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6730

Keywords: Curriculum Transformation, Integrated Curriculum, Curriculum Implementation, Challenges, Change Management

Abstract

Objective: The scarcity of successful implementation of integrated modular curriculum in Pakistan created a lack of evidence-based insight into the process of curriculum transformation. We explored the issue by exploring challenges faced by faculty in implementing integrated modular curriculum.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 2019-2020, data collected from November 2019 to August 2020, at undergraduate medical colleges in Lahore and Rawalpindi, with semi-structured online interviews of well experienced 11 faculty members. Two levels of faculty were sampled; one completed a successful implementation in two medical colleges, and another in transition process. Transcribed interviews were analyzed on Atlas.ti software.

Results: Challenges were identified in five inter-connected dimensions: integrated modular curriculum (IMC) development, implementation, faculty transformation/change, institutional and regulatory body context.

Conclusion: The curricular shift precipitates demoralizing challenges at multiple levels & directions. The identified themes and connections provide the framework for a well-informed curricular shift.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6730

How to cite this: Aziz S, Wajid G, Khan RA, Zaidi FZ. Dimensions of challenges in transformation from traditional to integrated modular curriculum - Experiences from Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):1730-1736. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6730

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.