Recertification: what do specialists think about skill assessment?

BACKGROUND

Continuing medical education and objective performance assessment remain the key components of recertification. Objective skills assessment in routine practice remains challenging due to extensive variations in case selection and treatments. This study explores expert opinions regarding objective skills assessment for specialists within the framework of recertification.

METHODS

We used a qualitative, semi-structured interview-based approach to obtain information and suggestions about key issues and recommendations relating to specialists' skills assessment. Twenty-two face-to-face interviews were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and analysed by two reviewers.

RESULTS

The information from the interviews was categorized under the headings of: (1) the components of specialist-level skills, (2) the methods for assessing specialist skills, (3) the types of tools and procedures used during observational assessment, (4) the unsuccessful specialists, and (5) the selection and training of assessors for specialist assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome-based assessment of performance followed by observation of practice, were recommended as effective modes of evaluation of performance.