Abstract
The SPICES model, described by Harden, Sowden, and Dunn in Medical Education 1984, presents a way of re-focussing a traditional curriculum by the addition of various educational strategies or 'SPICES'. These 'SPICES', Student-centred learning, a Problem-based approach, Integrated learning, Community-based education, Elective elements, and a Systematic approach meet perceived deficiencies in a conventional teaching programme and can contribute to the delivery of a reformed curriculum which addresses the educational needs of contemporary healthcare professionals.
The evidence: During almost 40 years now the SPICES model has achieved international recognition as a key approach to curriculum development. Its importance in the design, delivery, and audit of a curriculum remains relevant today as is evidenced by:
• The number of citations in the medical education literature.• Its inclusion as a key element of curriculum development in standard texts of medical education.
• Its prominence as a component of established Certificate, Diploma and Masters courses in medical education.
• The number of presentations or posters on curriculum development in the annual AMEE conference.
• The international reports of its use in the design and delivery of a curriculum.
• The international reports of its use in individual course design.In curriculum design for other healthcare disciplines.
• In its role in curriculum auditing and reform.
The continuing usefulness: This article revises the principles of the SPICES model. It reflects on examples of its continuing international use; its use for curriculum design and development in a variety of healthcare disciplines; and its role in curriculum audit and revision. It also comments on some of the suggested alternatives and modifications described.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 760–765 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Medical Teacher |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 7 |
Early online date | 11 Jan 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Keywords
- Curriculum design
- community-oriented
- multiprofessional
- staff development