FRAME FACTORS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED CURRICULUM IN PUBLIC SECTOR MEDICAL COLLEGE - FACULTY’S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Objective: To prospectively explore the frame factors influencing the planned implementation of integrated curriculum at Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore from the faculty’s perspective.
Study Design: Qualitative exploratory phenomenological design using constructivist approach.
Place and Duration of Study: Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore from Sep to Dec 2014.
Material and Methods: Purposive sampling was done and consisted of seventeen teaching faculty members of undergraduate subjects and two qualified medical educationists. Face to face semi structured in-depth interviews were carried out which were audio recorded. The interviews were then transcribed and thematic analysis carried out through manual matrix method and by using software N VIVO 1O. Triangulation of themes, subthemes and nodes was done in the content by relating to their respective frequency of quotes and word cluster. Data verification was done through member checking by second and third authors.
Results: The promoting factors were political will, strong leadership, faculty training and development, ownership of new curriculum, teamwork, incentives and communication. The potential impediments to curricular change were fear of the unknown, fixed mindset, faculty resistance due to age and competing agendas.
However, to address these impediments besides augmenting promoting factors, piloting of the portion of a curriculum for phase was considered essential.
Conclusion: The faculty’s perspective in regard to the frame factors influencing the planned implementation of integrated curriculum at public sector medical college yielded new information which will serve as a road map to the intended implementation of integrated curriculum at public sector medical colleges from the year 2017.