Curriculum mapping: Visualizing curricular alignment in a competency-based interprofessional fellowship program.

Abstract

Introduction: This short report introduces an application of curriculum mapping in a postgraduate health professions continuing education setting. Our focus is on the Health Professions Education Evaluation and Research (HPEER) Advanced Fellowship Program, a national interprofessional 2-year program offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Methods: We designed an Excel-based tool to align HPEER domains and competencies with curricular elements. An interprofessional team conducted an independent review of the curricula, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the mapping. Discrepancies were reconciled to maintain consistency. Results: The pilot use of the curriculum mapping tool showed that all planned competencies appeared in at least two sessions per year, with each competency appearing a median of six times. The curriculum featured a balance of didactic and interactive sessions, ensuring diverse learning experiences. Discussion: Our curriculum mapping tool demonstrates a program-wide approach, enabling program leaders to oversee the comprehensive alignment of educational content with fellowship goals. This approach enhances transparency and stakeholder engagement, offering a fresh perspective on curriculum mapping in postgraduate interprofessional education. Our method demonstrates significant potential for quality enhancement in various continuing education settings and demonstrates that CM need not rely on complex digital platforms to be effective.