An Evidence Based Approach to Identifying Competencies for a Medical Curriculum: A Proposal Based on Medico-Legal Practice in Sri Lanka

Edussuriya Deepthi^1, , Marambe Kosala², Abeyasinghe Nilukshi^3, and Jayawickramarajah Ponnampalam⁴

¹Department of Forensic Medicine University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

²Medical Education Unit, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

³Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

⁴Medical Education and Research Unit, Eastern University, Sri Lanka

Cite this paper:
Edussuriya Deepthi, Marambe Kosala, Abeyasinghe Nilukshi and Jayawickramarajah Ponnampalam. An Evidence Based Approach to Identifying Competencies for a Medical Curriculum: A Proposal Based on Medico-Legal Practice in Sri Lanka. American Journal of Educational Research. 2013; 1(3):107-109. doi: 10.12691/education-1-3-8

Abstract

Criteria for including content into undergraduate curricula should not be based purely on the enthusiasm of teachers. What is taught at undergraduate level should be based on the needs and expectations of society from medical graduates and therefore be evidence based. Forensic Medicine training at undergraduate level, in Sri Lanka was selected as an example of this proposed method. Forensic Medicine training at undergraduate level, in Sri Lanka, is not based on a formal process of needs assessment. It is not linked to the key priorities of the the ministry of justice (service recipient) or the ministry of health (service provider). The links between these institutions need to be utilised maximally in a formal way for workforce training and development. Unless this task is approached thoughtfully and systematically the curriculum would merely be a reflection of faculty interest rather than of stakeholder, student or public needs. This paper highlights a needs based approach that maybe utilized in developing a medico legal curriculum which can be applied in the development of curricula in other disciplines.

Keywords:
forensic medicine undergraduate curricula needs assessment education medico-legal system curriculum revision stakeholder interest evidence based

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