Developing learning outcomes for an ideal MSc course in sports and exercise medicine.

Abstract

To develop learning outcomes for an ideal MSc in sports and exercise medicine. Twenty nine learning outcomes were developed based on the learning outcomes, aims, and objectives of current sports medicine courses, occupational standards, and other related data. Using a Likert scale, the opinion of MSc/Dip course directors in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa as well as teachers, graduates, and students of the MSc/Dip course at the University of Nottingham were surveyed. An email questionnaire listing the 29 learning outcomes was sent to the subjects. A mixed reminder via email or mail was used. The results were treated as ordinal data, and reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Response rates were high (75% course directors, 79%, 54%, and 78% University of Nottingham teachers, graduates, and students respectively). The questionnaire was highly reliable (alpha>0.8). The total scores of all but one of the responders were above the midpoint (>87, possible range 29-145). Most course directors (>80%) agreed or strongly agreed with each of the learning outcomes, except two. Most of the other subjects also agreed or strongly agreed with the learning outcomes, with few exceptions. The results suggest that there is a consensus among subjects that the final listed learning outcomes should be included in an ideal MSc in sports and exercise medicine.