Peer review of the curriculum as a continuous process of improvement

BackgroundPeer review has always been an important part of the scientific process. As academicians, it is important that we bring the same level of rigor to review of the curriculum. Within our institution, we began this process in an effort to ensure quality in a team-taught integrated curriculum.ObjectiveIt is the goal of this manuscript to share the peer review process developed for our institution as a continuous improvement process for the curriculum. Second, we include preliminary results on the first cycle of reviews of our curriculum.MethodsA five-phase process was developed to allow involvement of the entire faculty and allow student input in the review process. Courses are evaluated for their teaching and learning, content, assessment, and evaluation.ResultsThroughout the initial three-year review cycle, 21 courses were reviewed using the criteria. The results of those reviews are presented.ConclusionsThis innovative approach to peer review of courses has been an important step to implementing an integrated curriculum within our institution. A continual process of review that integrates stakeholders and the relevant members of the faculty should allow for maintenance of a high standard of curricular outcomes.