The strategic role of competency based medical education in health care reform: a case report from a small scale, resource limited, Caribbean setting.

Jamiu O Busari,Ashley J Duits

doi:10.1186/s13104-014-0963-1

Abstract

BackgroundCuraçao is a Dutch Caribbean island with a relatively high aging population, a high prevalence of chronic diseases and a health care system that is driven by cost-containment. In 2009 the development of a new value-based health care (VBHC) system was initiated on the island, and a key role was identified for the St. Elisabeth Hospital as a (model) platform for implementing this initiative. We therefore decided to investigate for the requirements needed to build a health care environment that is conducive for change and capable of facilitating the smooth migration of existent services into an effective and sustainable VBHC system.FindingsOur findings revealed that our chosen approach was well accepted by the stakeholders. We discovered that in order to achieve a new value based health care system based on a reliable and well-organized system, the competencies of health care providers and the quality of the health care system needs to be assured. For this, extra focus needs to be given to improving service and manpower development both during and after formal training.ConclusionsIn order to achieve a VBHC system in a resource-limited environment, the standard of physicians’ competencies and of the health care system need to be guaranteed. The quality of the educational process needs to be maintained and safeguarded within an integrated health care delivery system that offers support to all care delivery and teaching institutions within the community. Finally, collaborative efforts with international medical institutions are recommended.

Highlights

Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island with a relatively high aging population, a high prevalence of chronic diseases and a health care system that is driven by cost-containment
We are of the opinion, that contrary to the current views in the literature, implementation of a continuous learning organizational environment could serve as an important basis for effective health care reform in resource-limited settings
General recommendations Our findings revealed that the chosen approach was well accepted by the stakeholders

Summary

Introduction

Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island with a relatively high aging population, a high prevalence of chronic diseases and a health care system that is driven by cost-containment. Several small scale and/or resource-limited communities are facing challenging times in achieving sustainable health care programs in their countries, due to limited financial resources. We are of the opinion, that contrary to the current views in the literature, implementation of a continuous learning organizational environment could serve as an important basis for effective health care reform in resource-limited settings. When these are combined with clear descriptions of the organizational context for defining inherent and potential health care challenges within the community [4,8]. In order to illustrate this viewpoint, a description of a resource-limited environment currently facing challenges of health care reform is provided and how the incorporation of a structured educational framework formed an effective basis for implementing new health care strategies within the community

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Results

Conclusion