Assessment of the undergraduate Curriculum in Paediatrics in Malta : student feedback in Paediatrics, Malta

Abstract

Aim: The study was designed to assess both satisfactory and unsatisfactory aspects of the undergraduate curriculum in Paediatrics as perceived by the students themselves. Methods: A simple questionnaire was designed to assess students' perceptions of the curriculum and was returned from 17 students from a cohort of 57 in 1999, and 32 from 39 in 2002. Results: In most aspects of the course, replies were highly satisfactory and often excellent, particularly with regard to the course organisation, attendance of lecturers, coverage of general paediatrics, tutorials and examinations. Some areas where student dissatisfaction was in excess of one third of respondents, notably the amount of neonatal coverage in 1999, have been addressed and had improved in 2002. Nevertheless, the follow up questionnaire in 2002 has shown that other issues remain problematic, particularly a lack of coverage of community paediatrics and insufficient `hands-on' teaching. Conclusions: A simple questionnaire-based format for assessing student feedback was both practical and reliable, and can be applied to assess the influence of any future changes in the curriculum. The questionnaire does not only confirm anticipated curricular deficiencies but is also effective in highlighting unexpected problems that can, therefore, be addressed appropriately.