Bernard K Perry MA BSc PGCE RSA-Dip-TEFLA (DELTA) Head of Basic Sciences & Foundation Programme

1. Institute of Health Sciences Foundation ProgrammeAligning Learning OutcomesInformation Technology Bernard K Perry MA BSc PGCE RSA-Dip-TEFLA (DELTA) Head of Basic Sciences & Foundation Programme Chair of IHS ICT Committee

2. Topics • IHS Curriculum review process in 2008 • incorporating Oman Academic Standards for General Foundation Programmes (2008) • IT curriculum review • aligning the standards • Incorporating key Study Skills The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

3. IHS Curriculum Review – 2008 • Prompts • Revised IHS Vision (aiming towards higher diploma/degree programmes) • New Academic Standards for Foundation Programmes (OASGFP, 2008) • Process • An improved curriculum review process devised • Curriculum Advisory Committees established The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

4. Key elements of curriculum review • Benchmark standards and needs established • International (e.g. First Aid) • National (e.g. Foundation: OASGFP document) • Needs Analysis within local context • Existing curriculum outcomes compared with standards: Gap analysis • Outcomes revised across programmes and courses, vertically and horizontally • Programmes/Courses restructured The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

5. Summary of IHS Process The Curriculum Review Process The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

6. The initial steps The Curriculum Review Process The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

7. Steps 1 & 2 – preparation • Standards – for IT (and other subjects in the GFP), prescribed in the OASGFP document (2008) • Needs Analysis for IT • a GFP requirement • a necessity for IHS students (e.g. web research, data analysis, report writing, presentations, etc.) • Allied Health graduates need familiarity with computerized health records systems The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

8. Aligning the outcomes The Curriculum Review Process The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

9. Step 3 – Gap Analysis: Mapping • Mapping included whether an outcome is • Studied (in course materials) • Assessed (formally or informally) The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

10. IT Gap analysis – Example 1 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

11. IT Gap analysis – Example 2 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

12. IT Gap analysis – all 6 areas The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

13. Gap Analysis Findings for IT • Some gaps existed, so course objectives updated to match OASGFP • Total length to be increased from 45h to 60h over 2 semesters (30h course each semester) • IT2 course to include an introduction to Hospital Information Management Systems (to meet MOH needs) • Some study skills outcomes to be included in IT teaching/assessment The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

14. Study Skills in IT • What had the Gap Analysis for Study Skills revealed? • Over 80% of Study Skills outcomes handled in English, e.g. Oral Presentations, Research for Projects, Time Management… • Many aspects of Time Management also covered in other Foundation courses • Presentation media skills are included in IT The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

15. Incorporating Study Skills in IT • Time Management and similar “general” study skills to be fully integrated into all “Core” GFP subjects, including IT • Preparation of presentation media (i.e. PowerPoint slides) to taught/assessed in IT (and English) The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

16. IT Teaching and Assessment • IT is essentially competency based • Classes are mostly activity/task based • 3 modalities of assessment • Theory: to formally test knowledge and concepts • Practical: to formally test skills and application of knowledge • Log-book: to ensure assignments and study skills completed satisfactorily The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

17. Revised Structure of IHS FP * Includes project work

18. References • Oman Academic Standards for General Foundation Programs – Oman Accreditation Council, 2008 • MOH Ministerial Ordinances (Karars) 100/1993 & 167/2008 (Establishment of Health Institutes) • IHS Internal Rules & Regulations (2008-2009) • IHS Curriculum Review Process (2007-2008) • IHS Vision, Mission, Goals & Values (2007) • Report of the Review of the Foundation Programme Curriculum, 2008 (including CAC minutes and decisions) • IHS Programme Outlines & Course Overviews The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

20. IHS VISION, MISSION, STRATEGIC GOALS, GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES, VALUES AND MOTTO • Vision • To be the premier provider of allied health care education in the region. • Mission • Our mission is to graduate highly competent, motivated, adaptable and committed allied health care professionals who, through dedicated team work, can provide varied health services to the community. • Strategic Goals • The Institute of Health Sciences will • develop quality educational programmes in the various allied health professions to meet the needs of the health services of Oman and the region, • play an active role in providing continuing education for faculty and the allied health professions. • seek partnerships with other higher educational institutions to ensure the highest possible quality within its programmes, • stay abreast of and, where feasible, utilise the latest developments in educational and clinical methodologies and technologies, • participate in research which will advance knowledge in the educational systems of the institute and in allied health professions in Oman. The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

21. Vision, cont’d… • Objectives (Graduate Attributes) Graduates should be able to: • utilise their knowledge, skill, and judgment to practise safely in various health care settings, • apply problem solving techniques as well as the scientific method, • communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, • work effectively in a team, • participate in providing relevant health education to individuals, groups, and communities • display appropriate professional attitudes and apply professional ethical standards • adapt to new policies, procedures and situations, • assume responsibility for personal growth and development, • participate in relevant research. • Values At the IHS, we value: • ownership of the initiatives, systems and activities of the institute, • ambition for progressive professional development, • excellence through creativity, innovation and hard work • commitment, continuous dialogue and quality management, • positive and friendly working environment based on professional discretion, integrity, teamwork and mutual respect. • Motto • “Excellence through team work” The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme