An Integrative Review of Curricular Integration as a Curriculum Development Strategy in Health Professions Education

This integrative literature review examines the concept of curricular integration as a curriculum development strategy in health professions education. The review synthesizes existing research on the definition, theoretical foundations, implementation, and efficacy of integrated curricula, which seek to connect diverse disciplines and provide a more holistic, student-centered approach to learning. Key elements of successful curricular integration include interdisciplinary faculty collaboration and the contextualization of knowledge within real-world settings. Theoretically, curricular integration supports deeper learning, enhances clinical reasoning, and improves knowledge transfer, preparing students for complex health science professions. However, challenges related to the variability in defining and evaluating curricular integration are identified, and the need for standardized metrics and more robust longitudinal studies is emphasized. The review concludes that while curricular integration shows significant promise in improving health professions education, further research is needed to refine implementation strategies, evaluate its long-term impact, and ensure its alignment with evolving expectations of professional practice.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Curriculum and Instruction

Department dc:contributor.department

Education, Vocational-Technical

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Ryan, Shane Michael

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Johnson, Alicia Leinaala

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Bond, Mark Aaron
• Potter, Kenneth R.
• Lockee, Barbara B.

• Curricular Integration
• Integrative Review
• Health Professions Education

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:42658

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/124872