CHALLENGES OF HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE IN A CHANGING EUROPE: AN INNOVATIVE PROFESSIONAL CURRICULUM FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION: COHRICE PROJEC

The Clinical Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine of the University Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna has been participating in a trilateral Erasmus Plus project since 11/2021. The project was acquired by three cooperation partners in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology (University of Pecs, Hungary; Universitatea de Medicina, Farmacie, Stinte si Tehnologie George Emil Palade din Tirgu Mures, Romania; and the Medical University of Vienna, Austria) to develop an innovative study guide for medical students and residents as well as their teachers on socio-economic issues affecting reproductive trends in Europe.

The consortium represents three Central European countries with different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Increasing migration trends can be observed from East to West, as well as more resources for medical care and education. Despite all these differences, a decline in reproductive trends can be observed for the Central European region, as well as for Europe as a whole.

Methodology

In this Erasmus plus project we will develop an integrative course in gynaecology between 2022- 2024.

First, we will conduct a survey to determine the current state of knowledge on reproductive trends, psychological and socio-economic aspects of reproductive medicine among medical and postgraduate students. Based on the results, knowledge gaps will be identified.

The three cooperation partners will develop a curriculum that comprehensively addresses these topics.

The newly created integrative curriculum will be disseminated at basic and advanced levels. Teachers will receive a teachers guide and a syllabus for this integrative curriculum.

After implementation, the knowledge gain and project quality will be evaluated through a survey and the material will be adjusted if necessary.

Results

We aim to make a relevant contribution to the curriculum of medical and postgraduate students in order to contextualise their knowledge and stimulate their interest in how societal changes affect health and health care strategies.

Summary

This kind of knowledge makes students more innovative, curious and motivated. We believe that innovative, problem-oriented thinkers can only emerge from medical students whose education is interdisciplinary and in the context of culture and society.

This aspect challenges the limits of conventional concepts of medical education.