The Development of a Theoretical Model of Integrated Medical Humanity Curriculum Using Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Model

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to propose a theoretical model for an integrated medical humanities curriculum based on a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education framework and to provide a guideline for curriculum integration. Three dimensions of integrated curriculum development are competencies, core contents, and elements of integration. Competencies imply the purpose of the medical humanities of a medical school and the exit outcomes of the curriculum. Core contents imply the goals and objectives of the curriculum. We compared the goals and themes of the medical humanities with core attributes of professionalism. Four elements of integration were proposed: units (cases, problem activities, core contents, disciplines/subjects), types (multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary), contexts of integration (life cycle of patients, scope of society), and stages of student development (from student to doctor). It is expected that this theoretical model for an integrated medical humanities curriculum can be used as a guideline for curriculum development and an evaluation criterion for instructional designers and subject matter experts.