Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]

Introduction Curriculum development in medical education, particularly in family medicine, is essential for preparing healthcare professionals to meet evolving patient needs. This article examines the development of a Family Medicine program in Jordan, focusing on challenges, methodologies, and outc...

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Main Authors: Safiya Virji, Lana Alhalaseh, Benjamin Colton, David Spitaels, Jiskoot van Ewijk, Marleen, Amjad Al Shdaifat, Birgitte Schoenmakers
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2025-04-01
Series:MedEdPublish
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Online Access:https://mededpublish.org/articles/14-276/v3
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author Safiya Virji
Lana Alhalaseh
Benjamin Colton
David Spitaels
Jiskoot van Ewijk, Marleen
Amjad Al Shdaifat
Birgitte Schoenmakers
author_facet Safiya Virji
Lana Alhalaseh
Benjamin Colton
David Spitaels
Jiskoot van Ewijk, Marleen
Amjad Al Shdaifat
Birgitte Schoenmakers
author_sort Safiya Virji
collection DOAJ
description Introduction Curriculum development in medical education, particularly in family medicine, is essential for preparing healthcare professionals to meet evolving patient needs. This article examines the development of a Family Medicine program in Jordan, focusing on challenges, methodologies, and outcomes. Methods The curriculum was developed through collaboration between Jordanian and European universities, emphasizing core family medicine principles, evidence-based practice, and local context. Two cohorts of trainees participated in the one-year program, which used a 'whole task learning model' covering communication, clinical knowledge, and community health. Feedback was gathered through focus group interviews with trainers and trainees, and pre- and post-test data were analyzed to assess effectiveness in terms of exam outcome. Results Feedback indicated positive perceptions among trainers and trainees. Trainees valued the transition to Arabic-led lectures, improved primary care understanding, and trainer engagement. Strengths included evidence-based guidelines and patient interaction emphasis. Areas for improvement included more face-to-face training and practical opportunities. Trainers suggested enhancing practical skills training and increasing Arabic materials. Both cohorts showed significant improvement on test scores. Challenges such as non-participation and cheating highlighted the need for regular attendance and academic integrity. Conclusion The research underscores the importance of feedback from trainees and trainers in curriculum development. Continuous improvement, comprehensive assessment, and prioritizing linguistic and cultural relevance are crucial for enhancing primary care delivery in Jordan.
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spelling doaj-art-ed275979c2b44fdba472f799d0dd04302025-08-20T02:06:17ZengF1000 Research LtdMedEdPublish2312-79962025-04-011410.12688/mep.20687.322539Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]Safiya Virji0https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7709-6172Lana Alhalaseh1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7114-1407Benjamin Colton2https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9252-2740David Spitaels3Jiskoot van Ewijk, Marleen4Amjad Al Shdaifat5Birgitte Schoenmakers6https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1909-9613Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UKThe University of Jordan School of Medicine, Amman, Amman Governorate, JordanThe Hashemite University Faculty of Medicine, Az-Zarqa, Zarqa Governorate, JordanPublic Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, BelgiumRadboud University, Nijmegen, Gelderland, The NetherlandsThe Hashemite University Faculty of Medicine, Az-Zarqa, Zarqa Governorate, JordanPublic Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, BelgiumIntroduction Curriculum development in medical education, particularly in family medicine, is essential for preparing healthcare professionals to meet evolving patient needs. This article examines the development of a Family Medicine program in Jordan, focusing on challenges, methodologies, and outcomes. Methods The curriculum was developed through collaboration between Jordanian and European universities, emphasizing core family medicine principles, evidence-based practice, and local context. Two cohorts of trainees participated in the one-year program, which used a 'whole task learning model' covering communication, clinical knowledge, and community health. Feedback was gathered through focus group interviews with trainers and trainees, and pre- and post-test data were analyzed to assess effectiveness in terms of exam outcome. Results Feedback indicated positive perceptions among trainers and trainees. Trainees valued the transition to Arabic-led lectures, improved primary care understanding, and trainer engagement. Strengths included evidence-based guidelines and patient interaction emphasis. Areas for improvement included more face-to-face training and practical opportunities. Trainers suggested enhancing practical skills training and increasing Arabic materials. Both cohorts showed significant improvement on test scores. Challenges such as non-participation and cheating highlighted the need for regular attendance and academic integrity. Conclusion The research underscores the importance of feedback from trainees and trainers in curriculum development. Continuous improvement, comprehensive assessment, and prioritizing linguistic and cultural relevance are crucial for enhancing primary care delivery in Jordan.https://mededpublish.org/articles/14-276/v3Family Medicine Education Curriculum Development Transcultural Collaboration eng
spellingShingle Safiya Virji
Lana Alhalaseh
Benjamin Colton
David Spitaels
Jiskoot van Ewijk, Marleen
Amjad Al Shdaifat
Birgitte Schoenmakers
Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]
MedEdPublish
Family Medicine Education
Curriculum Development
Transcultural Collaboration
eng
title Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]
title_full Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]
title_fullStr Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]
title_full_unstemmed Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]
title_short Developing a Family Medicine Program in Jordan: appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]
title_sort developing a family medicine program in jordan appraisal of trainees and trainers and final assessment outcomes version 3 peer review 2 approved
topic Family Medicine Education
Curriculum Development
Transcultural Collaboration
eng
url https://mededpublish.org/articles/14-276/v3
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