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Biomedical subjects

Susan R Swing

Publications and source records attributed to Susan R Swing.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Assessing practice-based learning and improvement.

BACKGROUND: Practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI) is 1 of 6 general competencies expected of physicians who graduate from an accredited residency education program in the United States and is an anticipated requirement for those who wish to maintain certification by the member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. This article describes methods used to assess PBLI. SUMMARY: Six electronic databases were searched using several search terms pertaining to PBLI. The review indicated that 4 assessment methods have been used to assess some or all steps of PBLI: portfolios, projects, patient record and chart review, and performance ratings. Each method is described, examples of application are provided, and validity, reliability, and feasibility characteristics are discussed. CONCLUSION: Portfolios may be the most useful approach to assess residents' PBLI abilities. Active participation in peer-driven performance improvement initiatives may be a valuable approach to confirm practicing physician involvement in PBLI.

Clinical Competence↗

Graduates' perceptions of their clinical competencies in allergy and immunology: results of a survey.

PURPOSE: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) have identified six areas of general competency. This study surveyed graduates of allergy and immunology training programs about their perceived clinical competency and the adequacy of their subspecialty training. METHOD: In August 2000 and May 2001, a questionnaire was mailed to 373 physicians who had completed a fellowship in allergy and immunology in the United States between 1995 and 2001. Physicians were asked to rate the perceived importance and adequacy of their training in, and their level of competency for, 57 general competencies and subspecialty-specific competencies and procedures. RESULTS: A total of 253 physicians responded (68%). All items in the six ACGME/ABMS general competencies had high ratings (>/= 90%) for perceived importance. One item in the practice-based learning area had low ratings for adequacy of training (57%) and intermediate for competency (75%). Two items in the system-based practice area had low ratings for training (65% and 67%) and intermediate for competency (86% and 88%). Generally, core specialty-specific items (allergic rhinitis, asthma, and urticaria) had high ratings (>/= 90%) for importance, training, and competency. Without exception, items with ratings of less than 70% for adequacy of training also had ratings of less than 90% for competency. CONCLUSION: The general competencies were considered important, but training in system-based practice and practice-based learning may be deficient. Although self-perceived competency in core areas of allergy and immunology was high, weaknesses in training and self-perceived competency in selected areas were identified.

Adult↗

Assessing the ACGME general competencies: general considerations and assessment methods.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's (ACGME's) general competency and outcome assessment initiative (i.e., the ACGME Outcome Project) is an effort to enhance residency education and accreditation effectiveness by increasing emphasis on educational outcomes. The Project is also a response to concerns about new graduates' ability to meet the demands of today's practice environment. The competencies emphasize learning in new domains (e.g., Practice-Based Learning and Improvement and Systems-Based Practice) and more traditional ones (e.g., Patient Care and Medical Knowledge). Outcome assessment will provide evidence of residency program educational effectiveness and information to guide improvement. This paper discusses the development and implementations of assessment methods appropriate to evaluate the performance of residents in each of the core competencies.

Clinical Competence↗