Structuring a written examination to assess ASBH health care ethics consultation core knowledge competencies

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Professionalization

Background:

• Clinical ethics consultation is advancing towards professionalization.
• This professionalization necessitates discussions on certifying individual consultants and accrediting programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential development of a written examination for clinical ethics consultants.
• To identify key considerations and challenges in establishing such a certification process.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of professionalization models in other fields.
• Analysis of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH) core knowledge competencies.
• Identification of critical questions for examination development.

Main Results:

• A written examination, likely based on ASBH competencies, is a plausible component of certification.
• Significant work is required to create and validate examination questions and structure.
• Key decisions involve examination format, grading, pass rates, and administration.

Conclusions:

• Thought leaders must address the development of written examinations to advance health care ethics consultation.
• Exploring both objective and written examination models is crucial for the field's professional growth.