Implementation of a curriculum management system at a faculty of medicine - Lessons learned from a pilot project

Abstract

Integration of electronic curricula remains highly variable among medical schools in North America. A major challenge has been availability and implementation of an ideal curriculum management software system (CMS). The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using a CMS system at the University of Manitoba (U of M). At the U of M, we implemented a multi-user software system designed to provide faculty and students with an integrated curriculum, scheduling, calendar functionality, and communication tools. The goals of the pilot project were to explore the feasibility of an electronic curriculum and to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the software. One block each from the 1st and the 2nd year medical school class were chosen for the pilot project. Data were collected through student and faculty surveys, student and faculty loginins, student page views, and through direct communication with various users. Most students (100%) and faculty (78%) indicated a strong need for an electronic CMS. A statistically significant increase in student log-ins (p<0.01) and page views (p<0.05) occurred from week 1 to week 6 and then reached a plateau, whereas faculty log-ins remained constant. The 1st year and 2nd year medical classes were dissatisfied (34% and 57%), neutral (24% and 25%), or satisfied (42% and 18%) with the CMS, respectively. This pilot project demonstrated that an electronic CMS was feasible at the U of M. In addition, we learned how to effectively implement such a system, and how to encourage faculty and students to adopt the system. The lessons learned at U of M may be instructive for other faculties attempting to deploy electronic curriculum for undergraduate medical education. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.