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Purpose@#The perception of faculty members about an individually tailored, flexible-length, outcomes-based curriculum for undergraduate medical students was studied. Their opinion about the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges was also noted. This study was done to help educational institutions identify academic and social support and resources required to ensure that graduate competencies are not compromised by a flexible education pathway. @*Methods@#The study was done at the International Medical University, Malaysia, and the University of Lahore, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from 1st August 2021 to 17th March 2022. Demographic information was noted. Themes were identified, and a summary of the information under each theme was created. @*Results@#A total of 24 (14 from Malaysia and 10 from Pakistan) faculty participated. Most agreed that undergraduate medical students can progress (at a differential rate) if they attain the required competencies. Among the major advantages mentioned were that students may graduate faster, learn at a pace comfortable to them, and develop an individualized learning pathway. Several logistical challenges must be overcome. Providing assessments on demand will be difficult. Significant regulatory hurdles were anticipated. Artificial intelligence (AI) can play an important role in creating an individualized learning pathway and supporting time-independent progression. The course may be (slightly) cheaper than a traditional one. @*Conclusion@#This study provides a foundation to further develop and strengthen flexible-length competency-based medical education modules. Further studies are required among educators at other medical schools and in other countries. Online learning and AI will play an important role.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea, a common disease, is one of the major determinants of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nepal. METHOD: This cross-sectional survey used a self-designed and pretested structured questionnaire to gather data on mothers' knowledge about childhood diarrhoea. The study was conducted in the Morang district of Nepal from June to August 2010. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Testing for significant difference and correlation of mothers' knowledge about diarrhoea with demographic factors were performed by using Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's rank correlation at an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: Mothers had some basic knowledge about the prevention of diarrhoea, and fluids/foods which can or cannot be given during bouts of diarrhoea. Knowledge about signs of dehydration was poor. None of the mothers were able to mention all the steps for correct and complete preparation of oral rehydration salt (ORS) and salt-sugar-water (SSW) solutions. Only 8.5% of the mothers stated that the purpose of giving ORS solution during diarrhoea is to prevent the child from getting dehydrated. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about signs of dehydration and the management approaches of diarrhoea at home was poor. Thus, there is a need for public health educational interventions.
