Consensus Building Using Quality Improvement Tools During the Instructional Design Process

Abstract

This case outlines the process of using quality improvement tools during the instructional systems design process. The clerkship curriculum of the third year of medical school was undergoing a complete reform in terms of time and content. An instructional designer was utilized to complete a needs analysis and participate in the instructional systems design process. A need for a common understanding of the language of medical education and instructional design drove the team to utilize the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Quality Improvement tools. The reform took 11 months, involved six clerkship directors, multiple administrators, and resulted in consensus among the clerkship directors regarding the knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate for a third-year medical student curriculum.