Putting the pediatrics milestones into practice: a consensus roadmap and resource analysis.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Training
• Competency-Based Assessment

Background:

• The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is advancing competency-based assessment in residency programs.
• The Milestone Project requires pediatrics residency programs to report resident progression on developmental performance levels semi-annually.
• This initiative represents a significant shift from traditional assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the essential components for implementing and sustaining the Milestone Project.
• To provide resource estimates for successful transition to milestones-based assessment.
• To offer a framework for collaboration among leaders to secure necessary resources.

Main Methods:

• Consensus view from residency program leaders.
• Identification of four key domains for implementation: Stakeholder Engagement, Assessment Methods, Data Systems, and Feedback.
• Resource estimation for successful transition.

Main Results:

• Four critical domains identified for successful implementation: Program Review and Stakeholder Development, Assessment Methods and Validation, Data and Assessment System Development, and Summative Assessment and Feedback.
• Resource estimates provided for program leaders.
• A framework for collaboration and resource identification is proposed.

Conclusions:

• The Milestone Project promises improved training outcomes aligned with patient needs and provides a clear learning roadmap for residents.
• Successful implementation requires significant resources and collaborative planning at multiple levels.
• The proposed framework serves as a starting point for institutions to plan and secure resources for this paradigm shift in medical education.