Research on instructional design in the health professions: From taxonomies of learning to whole-task models

This chapter discusses research themes that are pertinent to the field of instructional design. It provides a brief description of the ADDIE model that characterises the main phases in instructional design: analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. Instructional design is both a practical field and a research field. The chapter focuses on two approaches for the specification of final attainment levels: the traditional use of taxonomies of learning for setting learning goals and the use of cognitive task analysis for developing integrative learning goals. Several studies in the health sciences domain have shown that educational programmes based on cognitive task analysis are particularly effective. The chapter also discusses whole-task models because, in health professions education, many instructional design projects will deal with the development of professional competencies or complex skills. Successful implementation of whole-task curricula requires careful preparation of teachers, staff, and organisation, and evaluations that lead to continuous improvement.