Implementing digital transformation in the revision process for Japan's Model Core Curriculum: A qualitative document analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: Digital transformation (DT) is significantly impacting medical education. Despite advancements such as virtual reality and remote education, the influence of DT on the development of curricula and guidelines has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to explore the enabling factors and impacts of DT on the revision process for Japan's Model Core Curriculum (MCC) in 2022.

Materials and methods: Taking a constructivist perspective, this study investigated the enabling factors and impacts of DT through qualitative document analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted on materials including emails from the MCC revision team, meeting minutes, and survey responses.

Results: Enabling factors were experimentation spaces for users, deep integration between revision and digitalization teams, continuous development, and coordination with existing methods. The impacts of DT included ensuring accuracy and consistency, gaining the ability to preview and aggregate data, and expediting and reducing workload.

Conclusion: DT not only streamlined the revision process but also improved the quality of the guidelines and changed the nature of the MCC into an interactive infrastructure. The involvement of personnel with expertise bridging IT and medical education, combined with an environment conducive to user acceptance and opportunities for practice, were crucial for successful DT.