A healthcare curriculum for the 21st century: time for flexibility?:

The purpose of healthcare education is to provide appropriately skilled individuals to deliver the care needed by the population. However, curricula are shaped by the regulation of professional groups, professional accountability and demarcation issues. Current changes in the delivery of healthcare, in educational theory that advocates increased integration of theory and practice1-3 and in the international agreements on mobility of qualifications have challenged our traditional educational pathways. This paper argues that delivery of an effective healthcare workforce for the future is dependent upon a radical rethink of our education system. Although we largely draw upon experiences within the UK, these issues could apply to most healthcare systems.