Relationship between the relative timing of prosection and dissection experiences and laboratory examination performance in a gross anatomy course.

Reduced hours of instruction are reported within the gross anatomy education literature. Anatomy instruction continues to be challenged with motivating and inspiring learners to value the contribution of gross anatomy knowledge to their career development alongside increased organizational demands for efficiency and effectiveness. To address these demands, this retrospective study sought to understand how the relative timing and amount of gross anatomy instruction were related to examination performance. Undergraduate and graduate students between 2018 and 2022 were assigned to three cohorts determined by enrollment in prosection-based anatomy only (n = 334), concurrent enrollment in prosection- and dissection-based anatomy in the same semester (n = 67), or consecutive enrollment in the courses one year apart (n = 43). Concurrent students had higher prosection-based anatomy examination scores than prosection-only and consecutive students. Consecutively, enrolled students outperformed concurrently enrolled students on the first two dissection examinations but showed no performance differences on the third and fourth dissection examinations. While the results on the timing and presentation of anatomical instruction were inconclusive, the results do support increased instructional time using both prosection and dissection modalities concurrently to improve performance on identification-based gross anatomy examinations.

Competency-based and less time-bound: a new approach to the macro-structure of a medical school curriculum.

Shifting to a competency-based (CBME) and not time-bound curricular structure is challenging in the undergraduate medical education (UME) setting for a number of reasons. There are few examples of broad scale CBME-driven interventions that make the UME program less time-bound. However, given the range of student ability and varying speed of acquisition of competencies, this is an area in need of focus. This paper describes a model that uses the macro structure of a UME program to make UME curricula less time-bound, and driven more by student competency acquisition and individual student goals. The 3 + 1 curricular model was derived from the mission of the school, and includes a 3-year core curriculum that all students complete and an individualized phase. Students have an 18 month individualized educational program that meets their developmental needs and their educational and professional goals. This is achieved through a highly structured advising system, including the creation of an Individualized Learning Plan, driven by specific goals and targeted Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA). Students who struggle in achieving core competencies can use individualized time to support competency development and EPA acquisition. For students who have mastered core competencies, options include obtaining a masters degree, clinical immersion, research, and community-based experiences. Students can also graduate after the 3-year core curriculum, and enter residency one year early. Structural approaches such as this may contribute to the norming of the developmental nature of medical education, and can advance culture and systems that support CBME implementation at the UME level.

A Novel Education System to Createcustomized Primary Palliative Care Curricula for Training Programs.

Clinicians need palliative care (PC) skills to provide good patient care. Primary PC (PPC) is the PC knowledge and skills provided by non-PC specialists and are distinct from specialist PC (SPC), the complex interventions provided by specialty trained clinicians. There is no consensus as to the specific PPC knowledge and skills that should be taught or the methods that should be used. We describe an educational system that incorporates a suite of tools that PC educators can easily adapt to the PC educational requests of training programs to evaluate the PPC educational needs of training programs and then to create customized educational programs that regularly adjusts to the input of trainees and faculty. We hope others can use this program to decrease the burden on the PC educators and provide a tailored PPC education program for training programs within their institutions.

Twelve Tips for using Learning Curves in Health Professions Education Research.

Learning curves can be used to design, implement, and evaluate educational interventions. Attention to key aspects of the method can improve the fidelity of this representation of learning as well as its suitability for education and research purposes. This paper addresses when to use a learning curve, which graphical properties to consider, how to use learning curves quantitatively, and how to use observed thresholds to communicate meaning. We also address the associated ethics and policy considerations. We conclude with a best practices checklist for both educators and researchers seeking to use learning curves in their work.

The association of a scholarly concentrations program with medical students' matched residencies.

PURPOSE: Many medical school curricula include Scholarly Concentrations (SC) programs. While studies have examined how these programs affect students' future research involvement, the association of SC programs with students' specialty choices is uncertain. This study examines the SC program factors associated with congruence between the specialty focus of students' SC projects and the clinical specialty they matched into for residency. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of all students participating in the SC program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for graduating classes 2013-2020. They used data from program questionnaires to categorize students' specialty interests (baseline) and SC program experiences (post-program). The authors categorized each student's project into specialties according to their faculty mentors' primary appointments, abstracted student publications from SCOPUS, and abstracted residency program rankings from Doximity Residency Navigator. The authors used multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for specialty-congruent matching (same specialty as SC project) and for matching into a Doximity-ranked top 20 or top 10 program. RESULTS: Overall, 35.3% of the 771 students matched into the same specialty as their SC projects. Increased odds of specialty-congruent matching occurred with 'definite' interest in the specialty at baseline [aOR (95% CI): 1.76 (0.98-3.15)] (P = 0.06) and with increasing publications with SC mentors [aOR (95% CI): 1.16 (1.03-1.30)] (P = 0.01). Congruence between SC specialty focus and matched specialty conferred no significant difference in odds of matching to a Doximity-ranked top 20 or top 10 program. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline certainty of specialty interest and research productivity were associated with specialty congruence. However, as completing an SC project in a given specialty was not associated with increased odds of matching into that specialty nor into a higher Doximity-ranked program, SC program directors should advise students to pursue SC projects in any topic of personal interest.

An integrated pre-clerkship curriculum to build cognitive medical schema: It's not just about the content.

Both physiology and pathophysiology are essential disciplines in health professional education however, clinicians do not use this knowledge in isolation. Instead, physicians use inter-disciplinary concepts embedded within integrated cognitive schema (illness scripts) established through experience/knowledge that manifest as expert-level thinking. Our goal was to develop a pre-clerkship curriculum devoid of disciplinary boundaries (akin to the physician's illness script) and enhance learners' clerkship and early clinical performance. As well as developing curricular content, the model considered non-content design elements such as learner characteristics and values, faculty and resources and the impact of curricular and pedagogical changes. The goals of the trans-disciplinary integration were to develop deep learning behaviors through, 1) developing of integrated, cognitive schema to support the transition to expert-level thinking, 2) authentic, contextualization to promote knowledge transfer to the clinical realm 3) allowing autonomous, independent learning, and 4) harnessing the benefits of social learning. The final curricular model was a case-based approach with independent learning of basic concepts, differential diagnosis and illness scripting writing, and concept mapping. Small-group classroom sessions were team-taught with basic scientists and physicians facilitating learners' self-reflection and development of clinical reasoning. Specifications grading was used to assess the products (written illness scripts and concept maps) as well as process (group dynamics) while allowing a greater degree of learner autonomy. Although the model we adopted could be transferred to other program settings, we suggest it is critical to consider both content and non-content elements that are specific to the environment and learner.

Examining the Motivational Climate and Student Effort in Professional Competency Courses: Suggestions for Improvement.

The attainment of professional competencies leads to essential skills for successful and employable veterinarians. However, the inclusion of professional competencies in veterinary curricula is often underdeveloped, and it is sometimes less appreciated by students than the science/technical skill curricula. The aim of this study was to better understand students' motivation within professional competency courses (PC courses) by (a) comparing students' motivational perceptions in PC courses to those in science/technical skill courses (ST courses), (b) determining the extent to which students' motivational perceptions predict their course effort, and (c) identifying teaching strategies that could be used to improve PC courses. Participants included students from eight courses enrolled in their first or second year of a veterinary college at a large land-grant university in the United States. A partially mixed concurrent dominant status research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Students completed closed- and open-ended survey items regarding their effort and the motivational climate in their courses. Compared to ST courses, students put forth less effort in PC courses; rated PC courses lower on empowerment, usefulness, and interest; and had higher success expectancies in PC courses. Although students' perceptions of empowerment, usefulness, interest, and caring were significantly correlated with their effort, interest was the most significant predictor of effort in both PC and ST courses. Based on students' responses to the open-ended questions, specific motivational strategies are recommended to increase students' effort in PC courses, such as intentionally implementing strategies to increase students' interest and perceptions of usefulness and empowerment.

Cultural Competence Is Everyone's Business: Embedding Cultural Competence in Curriculum Frameworks to Advance Veterinary Education.

Cultural competence in professional and research practice is important to effectively deliver animal and One Health services and programs. Veterinarians work with culturally and linguistically diverse teams, clients, and communities. Cultural perspectives on the significance and perceptions of animals and differences in consultation and engagement protocols and strategies can influence client-practitioner and researcher-community relationships, impacting animal health, welfare, and/or research outcomes. Curricula have been proposed to build cultural capacity in graduates, but these have not been reported in veterinary programs, and early attempts to integrate cultural competency into the University of Sydney veterinary curriculum lacked a formal structure and were ad hoc with respect to implementation. To address this, the authors introduced a broad curriculum framework into the University of Sydney veterinary program, which defines cultural competence, perceptions of animals, effective communication, and community engagement in a range of contexts. Cultural competency learning outcomes were described for units of study. These were contextually relevant and aligned to course learning outcomes and University of Sydney graduate qualities. Constructive alignment was achieved by linking learning outcomes to teaching and learning activities and assessment. The continuum of cultural competency underpinned mapping of cultural competency across the curriculum with staged, vertical integration of key principles. Additionally, action to engage staff, students, and stakeholders in a cultural competence agenda assisted in sustaining curriculum change. The result was integration of cultural competency across the curriculum aligning with recommendations from accrediting bodies and with best practice models in medicine, nursing, and allied health programs.

Should the concepts chosen to guide concept-based curricula be threshold concepts?

In this paper we propose that the concepts guiding concept-based curricula should be threshold knowledge concepts. We briefly discuss some of the hurdles of current concept-based curricular designs and describe how the concepts themselves, paradoxically, might perpetuate the continued emphasis on content in nursing courses. Until now, threshold concept theory has not been part of the mainstream conversation about concept-based curricula. Threshold concepts act as portals to professional identity development and are recognized by their troublesome and transformative potential to enhance knowledge acquisition and change worldviews. This feature differentiates them from the core concepts often described within concept-based curriculum literature. The identification of threshold concepts in existing nursing courses might help structure curricular revision with the goal of enhancing transfer of learning and decreasing faculty resistance to the concept-based curricular approach.

Propuesta del curso optativo Protectores Bucales en el Deporte / Proposal of the optional course Mouth Guards in Sports

Introducción: La protección de las estructuras dentomaxilofaciales durante las actividades deportivas y el ejercicio físico se hace cada vez más necesaria, por lo que el Técnico Superior en Prótesis Estomatológica debe saber confeccionar protectores bucales y dominar el conocimiento en estos temas. Objetivo: Diseñar un curso optativo en primer año del Técnico Superior en Prótesis Estomatológica que contribuya a la formación de un profesional capaz de elaborar protectores bucales personalizados. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con carácter descriptivo. Se emplearon métodos del nivel teórico: (histórico-lógico, inductivo-deductivo, analítico-sintético, sistémico-estructural y la modelación) y empírico: (revisión documental, criterios de especialistas). Resultados: Se diseñó un curso optativo de 20 horas de duración, con carácter presencial y estructurado en tres temas. El curso optativo Protectores Bucales en el Deporte contribuye a potenciar actividades curriculares que tributen al desarrollo de una cultura para la protección bucodental. Conclusiones: El diseño del curso optativo se corresponde con las necesidades de aprendizaje de los Técnicos Superiores en Prótesis Estomatológica para confeccionar protectores bucales.

Introduction: The protection of the dentomaxillofacial structures during sports activities and physical exercise is increasingly necessary, so the Superior Technician in Stomatological Prosthesis must know how to make mouth guards, and develop knowledge on these topics. Objective: To design an optional course in the first year of the speciality Superior Technician in Stomatological Prosthesis that contributes to the training of a more qualified professional to make mouth guards. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was carried out. Theoretical methods: (historical-logical, inductive-deductive, analytical-synthetic, systemic-structural and modeling), and empirical methods: (documentary review, specialist criteria) were used. Results: An optional face-to-face and structured in three topics course of 20 hours was designed. The optional course Mouth Guards in Sports contributes to promoting curricular activities which support the development of a culture on oral protection. Conclusions: The design of the optional course corresponds to the learning needs of the Superior Technician in Stomatological Prosthesis to make mouth guards.

The Dearth of Disability Medical Education and a Partial Solution.

Issue: While over one-quarter of adult Americans have a disability, there is a paucity of disability-specific curricula in American medical schools and residency programs. Potential consequences of this educational dearth include persistent inaccessibility of health care facilities and delivery of inequitable health care to individuals with disabilities. Evidence: Several working groups have proposed disability-specific competencies for health professions education and means by which to integrate them into existing curricula. A limited number of medical schools and residency programs have formally introduced disability-specific materials into their curricula. To our knowledge, however, there are no generalist (internal medicine or family medicine) residency programs that offer specialized training in the clinical care of people with disabilities. Implications: Offering generalist physicians the opportunity to acquire the clinical and cognitive skills required to provide thorough and equitable health care to people with disabilities is critically important. There are too few physiatrists to see to their care needs. In this manuscript, we present a novel concentration in an Internal Medicine residency program in the care of individuals with a variety of disabilities. Our hope is that this work will initiate discussions among educational leaders about how to address the lack of graduate medical education-level training in disability care. We also hope it will afford program directors the opportunity to implement similar concentrations and tracks and will eventually produce a generation of generalists who are well-equipped to help care for people with disabilities.

Orientaciones de las maestrías para profesionales de la salud / Orientations of the Master's Degree courses for health professionals

Introducción: El Reglamento de Educación de Posgrado de la República de Cuba de 2019 abre nuevas respuestas a las necesidades de formación académica de maestría para profesionales de la salud, cuestión pendiente en las áreas asistencial, administrativa y especializada. Esto tributa a la continuidad, pertinencia e interdisciplinariedad de la formación profesional, y a los diseños curriculares de maestría en este sector. Objetivo: Fundamentar las orientaciones que pueden asumir los programas de maestría para profesionales de la salud. Posicionamiento del autor: Se parte de posiciones teórico-metodológicas del proceso pedagógico de posgrado en el área de la salud, de su relación con la actividad laboral que desempeñan sus trabajadores y de la legislación vigente en materia de posgrado en el país, para considerar el sistema de actividades profesionales fundamentales que aseguran el cumplimiento de las misiones de la institución. Esto requiere de una generalización esencial y de abstracción sucesiva, a partir del análisis de las funciones que se desempeñan en los puestos de trabajo y que tributan al cumplimiento de esas misiones. La maestría aporta una amplia y avanzada cultura científica en determinada área del saber, así como mayor capacidad y desarrollo para llevar a cabo las actividades. Esto se reinvierte de forma potenciada en sus desempeños en el puesto de trabajo, y en el desarrollo y cumplimiento de la misión social de la institución. Conclusiones: Las orientaciones de las maestrías para profesionales de la salud son asistencia, investigación, docencia y administración. Independientemente de la orientación que asuma el programa, la investigación continúa siendo esencial(AU)

Introduction: The 2019 regulations on postgraduate education of the Republic of Cuba open new responses to the needs of academic master's degree courses for training health professionals, a pending issue in the healthcare, management and specialization areas. This contributes to the continuity, pertinence and interdisciplinarity of professional training, as well as to the master's degree curricular designs in this sector. Objective: To substantiate the orientations that master's degree programs for health professionals can assume. Author position: The foundations are made up of theoretical-methodological positions corresponding to the postgraduate pedagogical process in the health area, its relation with the occupational activity carried out by health workers, and the currently valid legislation on postgraduate education in the country, in order to consider the system of fundamental professional activities that ensure the fulfillment of institutional missions. This requires an essential generalization and subsequent abstraction, based on the analysis of the occupational functions performed and contributing to the fulfillment of these missions. The master's degree courses provide a broad and advanced scientific culture in a certain field of knowledge, as well as greater capacity and development to carry out activities. This is retrieved in an enhanced way in terms of occupational performance, as well as in the development and fulfillment of the social mission of the institution. Conclusions: The master's degree courses for health professionals are oriented to the healthcare, research, teaching and management scenarios. Regardless of the orientation of the program, research continues to be essential(AU)

Inclusion of gerodontology in dental curriculum: An urgent case for India.

The proportion of older adults is on the rise. Management of dental problems in this group is different from the general population, and hence requires special training. Gerodontology is yet to find its place in the Indian dental curriculum. A lack of training would result in inadequate care delivery. In this article, we share our views on the need for inclusion of the subject, potential challenges, and a guide for incorporation of gerodontology in undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum in the Indian dental institutes. We propose a framework based on the salient features of Kern's 6-step approach for curriculum development and Kotter's 8-step change management model. Some features are common to both the models. A combination of these models includes the following salient features: Problem identification and general needs assessment, beginning with a sense of urgency and targeted needs assessment, communication of the vision for change, working in guided coalitions and defining clear goals and objectives, adopting the relevant educational strategies, implementation strategies to enable change and generating short-term wins, evaluating the effectiveness of the curricular reform and sustaining and anchoring the change. The proposed framework may also be useful for countries where gerodontology is yet to be implemented.

Growth curves: The experiences of Canadian paediatricians in their first 5 years of independent practice.

OBJECTIVES: Completing training is a rite of passage common to all physicians, yet our knowledge of the components in postgraduate paediatric education that equip learners for successful transition to practice is limited. In order to optimally design training programs, it is critical to develop a better sense of what early career paediatricians (ECPs) experience as they navigate this time of transition. METHODS: We created and distributed a 23-question survey via e-mail to 481 Canadian ECPs in September 2017, specifically to those who received Royal College certification in 2011 or later. Survey responses were obtained confidentially through an online platform (Survey Monkey). Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze responses to closed-ended and free text questions, respectively. RESULTS: Response rate was 42% with nearly 70% of the respondents self-identifying as general paediatricians. Factors facilitating transition to practice included: dedicated mentorship; supportive new colleagues and workplace environment; and ease of finding work. Identified challenges included: billing, finances, and practice management; adjusting to a different scope of practice and learning local resources; managing comfort level; and achieving work-life balance. Nearly half of the respondents expressed interest in mentoring new ECP colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ECPs find clear value in mentorship, but desire further support to adapt to new practice contexts and activities. As a result, we must consider strategies in both individual programs and nationally that effectively prepare learners prior to transition and align with needs in the first years of independent practice.

Intentional Application of the Taba Curriculum Model to Develop a Rural Pharmacy Practice Course.

The changing profession of pharmacy demands student preparation in dynamic courses that address the evolving healthcare landscape. Identifying an evidence-based approach to develop such coursework and content, however, can be a considerable challenge for curriculum innovators. This manuscript explores how curriculum design models can be applied as a guide to promote purposeful development of new curriculum, with the goal of promoting students as APPE, practice, and career-ready practitioners. Authors specifically describe a case study example for the process of creating a novel rural health course using the Taba curriculum design model as a guide for selecting course content, objectives, teaching strategies, learning experiences, and evaluative measures. Through the incorporation of the Taba model, this manuscript presents an evidence-based approach to curriculum development which can be replicated across schools and colleges of pharmacy. The described approach to curriculum design, which integrates models to guide the creative process, is a systematic approach to developing curriculum with purpose. Additional opportunities exist for curriculum innovators across the academy to explore incorporation of curriculum design models to guide course development, as well as to drive curricular assessment strategies and further curriculum refinement.

Evaluación curricular interna de un curso propio del plan de estudios D de la carrera de medicina / Curricular evaluation of an own course of the curriculum D of the career of Medicine

Introducción: En el curso académico 2014-2015 se aplicó el plan de estudio D perfeccionado en la carrera de medicina y se imparte el curso propio de reanimación cardiopulmonar cerebral básica. Objetivos: Describir los resultados de la evaluación curricular interna o autoevaluación del curso propio impartido y proponer modificaciones al programa institucional acreditado. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa de corte transversal, en el periodo comprendido de septiembre a diciembre del año 2017. Se aplicó el cuestionario de evaluación del currículo, elaborado por el autor y validado sobre la base de criterios de expertos. En el instrumento, los estudiantes respondieron a 38 afirmaciones en relación a distintos aspectos del programa de estudio del curso que culminaron (pertinencia, objetivos, contenidos, actividades del proceso docente educativo, la evaluación, distribución del tiempo, recursos, coordinación interna, cumplimiento de objetivos y sobre el equipo docente). Resultados: El cuestionario aplicado mostró alta satisfacción con la asignatura, sus objetivos, los contenidos, las clases prácticas y el trabajo de los profesores. Los alumnos evaluados consideran pertinente la inserción temprana de la temática en el plan de estudio de la carrera y proponen su reevaluación en años posteriores. Los estudiantes valoraron como insuficiencias, la distribución del tiempo y la aplicación del seminario integrador final propuesto en la evaluación certificativa del curso. Conclusiones: Los resultados respaldaron la necesidad de efectuar cambios y mejoras en el diseño curricular y el programa institucional acreditado(AU)

Introduction: In the academic year 2014-2015, the study program D was started in the medical career and the basic course of basic cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation is taught. Objectives: To describe the results of the internal curricular evaluation or self-evaluation of the own course taught and to propose modifications to the accredited institutional program. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional research was carried out in the period from September to December 2017. The curriculum evaluation questionnaire was applied, prepared by the author and validated based on expert criteria. In the instrument, students responded to 38 affirmations in relation to different aspects of the study program of the course that culminated (relevance, objectives, contents, activities of the educational teaching process, evaluation, distribution of time, resources, internal coordination, compliance with objectives and about the teaching team). Results: The applied questionnaire showed high satisfaction with the subject, its objectives, contents, practical classes and the work of the teachers. The evaluated students consider the early insertion of the subject into the career study program and propose its re-evaluation in later years. The students assessed as insufficiencies, the distribution of time and the application of the final integrating seminar proposed in the course's certification evaluation. Conclusions: The results supported the need to make changes and improvements in the curricular design and the accredited institutional program(AU)

Resultados de trabajo del Grupo para el Estudio de las Competencias en Salud / Work outcomes of the Group for the Study of Health Competences

Introducción: las competencias y el desempeño laboral de los profesionales de la salud han constituido una preocupación de los sistemas de salud en el mundo para incrementar la calidad de los servicios y ha exigido a las universidades de ciencias médicas aportarles un profesional con adecuada capacidad y modo de actuación profesional. Objetivo: informar a la comunidad científica los resultados de trabajo y aportes científicos del Grupo para el Estudio de las Competencias en Salud durante los años 2015-2016. Métodos: se realizó un estudio cualitativo de carácter descriptivo de la actividad científica que ha desarrollado el Grupo para el Estudio de las Competencias en Salud. Se efectuaron diversas actividades como talleres, conferencias, presentación de temas y grupo de discusión. Resultados: el grupo integrado por 15 profesionales de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, se trazó diferentes objetivos de trabajo y debatió sobre temas relacionados con definiciones, historia y evolución de las competencias, metodologías, cienciometría y competencias profesionales en Medicina Interna, Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias y Pediatría, fundamentalmente. Se realizaron 15 publicaciones científicas en 7 revistas nacionales e internacionales, dos tesis doctorales y se aplicó un programa académico en el internado vertical de la carrera de medicina por competencias profesionales. Conclusión: el Grupo para el Estudio de las Competencias en Salud ha realizado un encomiable trabajo de desarrollo tecnológico, prospectivo, propositivo y de proyección estratégica en múltiples esferas de las ciencias biomédicas, con resultados muy positivos en su producción científica para desarrollar y perfeccionar el enfoque de las competencias en salud en Cuba(AU)

Introduction: Competences and work performance of health professionals have been a concern of the health systems in the world for increasing the quality of services, and have required, from the universities of medical sciences, to provide them with professionals with adequate capabilities and professional performance. Objective: To inform the scientific community of the results of work and scientific contributions of the Group for the Study of Health Competences during the years 2015-2016. Methods: A qualitative study of a descriptive nature of the scientific activity developed by the Group for the Study of Health Competences was carried out. Various activities were carried out, such as workshops, conferences, presentation of topics and discussion group. Results: The group made up by 15 professionals from the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, set out different work objectives and discussed issues related to the definitions, history and evolution of competences, methodologies, scientometrics, and professional competences in Internal Medicine, Intensive Medicine and Emergencies and Pediatrics, mainly. Fifteen scientific publications were made in seven national and international journals, two doctoral dissertations and an academic curriculum was applied in the vertical internship of the medical major for professional skills. Conclusion: The Group for the Study of Health Competences has carried out a praiseworthy work of technological development, also prospective, propositive and of strategic projection in multiple areas of the biomedical sciences, with very positive results in its scientific production for developing and improving the approach of health competences in Cuba(AU)

Degree models in biomedical engineering / Modelos de titulación en ingeniería biomédica / Modelos de grau em engenharia biomédica

Abstract In this paper, the authors have carried out a systematic study and review of a set of researches and publications, regarding the theme of how to improve training programs in biomedical engineering, and make a contribution to the specialization in the area of clinic engineering.

Resumen En este artículo, los autores han realizado un estudio y revisión sistemática de un conjunto de investigaciones y publicaciones sobre el tema de cómo mejorar los programas de capacitación en ingeniería biomédica y contribuir a la especialización en el área de ingeniería clínica.

Resumo Neste trabalho realizou-se um estudo e revisão sistemática de um conjunto de investigações e publicações sobre o tema de como melhorar os programas de capacitação em engenharia biomédica e contribuir à especialização na área de clínica Engenharia.

Reflexiones sobre el diseño curricular de la asignatura enfermedades infecciosas / Reflections on the curricular design of the infectious diseases teaching

La educación formal, sistemática, se caracteriza por definir y planificar en qué sentido y de qué manera va a ejercer su influencia en la orientación del desarrollo de las personas. De acuerdo a las metas que se deseen alcanzar, los educadores seleccionan las actividades de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Diseñar el currículo es decidir y organizar el conjunto de actividades formales de aprendizaje puesto a disposición de los alumnos, de acuerdo a objetivos previamente seleccionados. En términos generales, el currículo es un conjunto de situaciones, estímulos y modelos que se ofrecen a los estudiantes. El cambio curricular es un proceso de transformaciones que alcanzan a las instituciones e impacta en los recursos humanos docentes, al tiempo que expresa las modificaciones operadas en la sociedad en términos epidemiológicos, frente a la emergencia y reemergencia de las enfermedades infecciosas, en estrecha relación con la geografía médica y los condicionamientos sociales, económicos y políticos bajo los que se desarrolla la sociedad.

Formal systematic education features the definition and planification of the way it shall exert its influence in the orientation of the development of people. According to desired goals, educators select teaching-learning activities. Designing the curriculum implies deciding on and organizing the set of formal learning activities displayed for students, according to previously selected goals. In broad strokes, the curriculum is a set of situations, stimuli and models proposed for students. Curricular change is a process of transformation that reach institutions and impacts on human resources (teachers) and at the same time expresses changes that have taken place in society in epidemiological terms, in the face of the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases, strongly connected to medical geography and social, economic and political restrictions.

Utilizing the "Plan, Do, Study, Act" Framework to Explore the Process of Curricular Assessment and Redesign in a Physical Therapy Education Program in Suriname.

PURPOSE: To describe how a multinational team worked together to transition a physical therapy (PT) educational program in Paramaribo, Suriname, from a Bachelor level to a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) level. The team was made up of PT faculty from Anton De Kom Universiteit van Suriname (AdeKUS), the Flemish Interuniversity Council University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) leadership, and Health Volunteers Overseas volunteers. In this case study, the process for curricular assessment, redesign, and upgrade is described retrospectively using a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) framework. METHOD: PT educational programs in developing countries are eager for upgrade to meet international expectations and to better meet community health-care needs. An ongoing process which included baseline assessment of all aspects of the existing bachelor's program in PT, development of a plan for a MSPT, implementation of the master's program, and evaluation following implementation is described. CONCLUSION: Curricular assessment and upgrade in resource-limited countries requires the implementation of process-oriented methods. The PDSA process is a useful tool to explore curricular development. The international collaboration described in this paper provides an example of the diligence, consistency, and dedication required to see a project through and achieve success while providing adequate support to the host site. This project might provide valuable insights for those involved in curricular redesign in similar settings.