CanMEDS evaluation in Canadian postgraduate training programmes: tools used and programme director satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Competency-Based Assessment
• Physician Training

Background:

• The CanMEDS framework is globally adopted in medical education.
• Limited research exists on evaluating CanMEDS competencies in trainees.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding assessment practices for CanMEDS roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate assessment tools utilized in Canadian postgraduate programs.
• To gauge program directors' perceptions of CanMEDS role evaluation effectiveness.
• To identify areas for improvement in CanMEDS competency assessment.

Main Methods:

• Web-based survey distributed to program directors of RCPSC-accredited programs.
• Survey assessed the variety of tools used for each CanMEDS role.
• Program directors' satisfaction with current evaluation methods was measured.

Main Results:

• 149 program directors participated, reporting varied assessment tool usage.
• The Medical Expert and Communicator roles were evaluated with more tools than Collaborator and Manager roles.
• While satisfied with Medical Expert evaluation, directors were less satisfied with assessments for other CanMEDS roles.

Conclusions:

• Canadian postgraduate programs employ diverse assessment tools for CanMEDS competencies.
• Program directors show neutrality or concern regarding the evaluation of non-Medical Expert CanMEDS roles.
• Further development of best practices for CanMEDS evaluation is necessary.