Student engagement in the development of a common core curriculum for health professions

A new undergraduate structure for allied health professionals and nurses building upon a common core curriculum aims to provide a flexible patient/client-centred workforce equipped to meet tomorrow's health needs. This paper outlines the rationale for using peer facilitated focus groups with recent existing and prospective students to inform development of the new curriculum. The study aims to (a) ensure student involvement as key stakeholders in exploring the underlying principles of a core curriculum and (b) gain insight into the possible response of the student population to emerging curriculum models in terms of recruitment retention and satisfaction.