Physician recertification and outcomes assessment

Physician recertification poses a unique challenge to member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) charged with the responsibility of credentialing physicians. The key issue that emerges in recertification programs is how to evaluate performance in practice. Although some test of knowledge may be appropriate, an evaluation of clinical performance has become essential in recertification programs. To meet this challenge, ABMS boards have adopted methods to evaluate performance in practice. However, regardless of the methods chosen, criteria are needed to serve as standards. This article considers the application of outcomes assessment in the definition of standards for recertification. When direct outcome assessment may not be possible, outcome-validated process measures may provide a suitable alternative.