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American Osteopathic Association commitment to quality and lifelong learning.
Amelia G Tunanidas1, Diane N Burkhart
1Department of Educational Affairs, American Osteopathic Association, USA.
The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions
|September 21, 2005
Summary
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) enhances quality for osteopathic physicians through core competencies and the AOA Clinical Assessment Program (AOA-CAP). These initiatives aim to improve patient care safety and physician competence via continuing medical education (CME).
Area of Science:
- Osteopathic medicine quality improvement
- Physician education standards
- Healthcare quality assurance
Background:
- The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) oversees quality enhancement for 54,000 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs).
- Seven core competencies are mandated in osteopathic medical education, including osteopathic philosophy, manipulative medicine, and systems-based practice.
- Physician recertification models are under review by the AOA and Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the AOA's quality enhancement programs for osteopathic physicians.
- To describe the core competencies and assessment tools used in osteopathic medical education.
- To detail the ongoing review of recertification processes and the role of continuing medical education (CME).
Main Methods:
- The AOA Clinical Assessment Program (AOA-CAP) utilizes a web-based architecture for quality improvement.
- Osteopathic residents and physicians use evidence-based standards via AOA-CAP to measure patient care quality and safety.
- The Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS) reviews and maintains standards for certifying boards, with the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine piloting a Maintenance of Certification process.
Main Results:
- The AOA has established seven core competencies for medical education and quality assessment.
- AOA-CAP serves as a tool for physicians to evaluate patient care safety using evidence-based standards.
- The AOA supports CME as crucial for physician recertification and ongoing competence assessment.
Conclusions:
- The AOA's quality initiatives, including AOA-CAP and CME, are integral to improving patient care and public health.
- The adoption of Maintenance of Certification by specialty boards signifies a move towards standardized physician recertification.
- Continuing medical education is recognized by the AOA as a vital component for ensuring physician competence and excellence in osteopathic medicine.