Context & rationale

The need for curriculum change has become more pressing as health care changes. Health care is predicted to change rapidly over the next 10-15 years, driven by: 

• the widespread availability of technology, which both supports and changes the role of the doctor in diagnosis and patient management 
• technological advances such as electronic medical records and prescribing, the expansion of telehealth, medical imaging using artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, remote monitoring and treatment using wearable or implantable devices 
• the incorporation of algorithms to facilitate clinical decision-making including those which incorporate the use of big data and AI 
• rapid growth in understanding and use of genetics / genomics 
• the recognition of optimal healthcare as being inter-disciplinary and the need to develop an inter-professional approach to medical education 
• the need to specifically develop life-long learning skills such as reflective learning, self-directed learning and clinical reasoning skills

These changes are likely to impact models of care and result in: 

• increased emphasis on prevention, earlier diagnosis, increased diversity in care pathways (focused on primary care), as well as remote monitoring of physiological parameters, exercise, nutrition and disease progression 
• increased home-based and community care, with individuals being active partners in their own care
• increased emphasis on multidisciplinary, team-based care 
• pre-emptive personalised health plans according to genetic profiles