Setting objectives for a competency-based undergraduate obstetrics and gynecology curriculum

Introduction: Little emphasis on standardization, less stringentoutcome measurement and resource constrains can result indeteriorating competencies among medical graduates in acountry with rapidly increasing number of medical institutionslike India. A competency-based curriculum is where we carefullydesign curricular experiences to achieve pre-identified outcomes.In this study, we aimed to define the outcome objectives of acompetency-based undergraduate Obstetrics and Gynaecologycurriculum which is comprehensive, and is based on the presentday need of our society. These objectives can serve as the basis fordesigning a suitable curriculum with aligned teaching learningand assessment methods.Methods: This is an observational study in which a Delphitechnique was used to identify the outcome objectives representingcompetencies specific to the subject of obstetrics and gynaecologyat graduate level. The six core competencies identified byAccreditation Council for Graduate Medical Council formed theframework to identify these competencies. Then, a cross-sectionalcountrywide survey was conducted among purposively sampledteachers and clinical experts through a postal questionnaire toknow the relative importance of the identified outcome measuresand need for their inclusion in a contemporary outcome-basedcurriculum.Results: Ninety four medical teachers and clinical experts,belonging to institutes across the county, with demonstrableinterest and expertise in the field of medical education identified38 outcome objectives for the curriculum. There were twentyone “vital”, fourteen “essential”, two “desirable” and one“optional” outcome objectives identified. There were eighteenoutcome objectives for “patient care” domain, nine for “medicalknowledge”, four for “Practice based learning and improvement”,three for “professionalism”, two for “system based practice”, andtwo for “interpersonal and communication skills”.Conclusion: The outcome objectives for a competency-basedobstetrics and gynaecology curriculum in an Indian context weredefined.Keywords: Outcome, Objectives, Competency, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Curriculum