Challenges in Implementation of the New Accreditation System

Despite major changes in US Graduate Medical Education, from Core Competencies (2002) to the Next Accreditation System (2012), few studies have evaluated the role of the Residency Coordinator in program accreditation. This role may be especially challenging in child neurology, which involves separate, accredited child and adult neurology residencies. The present study of Child Neurology Program Coordinators evaluated workforce factors and first-year implementation of new training requirements. The response rate was 65% (48/74). Concerning workforce features included high turnover, unpaid overtime, inconsistent job titles, limited career paths, inadequate training, and nonacademic supervision. Programs' average implementation of 14 new accreditation items averaged 7.5 (standard deviation 2.5). This survey demonstrated that greater Next Accreditation System implementation is linked to increased coordinator experience, supervision within Graduate Medical Education, and greater administrative support for the coordinator role. Changes in these areas could improve future compliance of US child neurology programs with Graduate Medical Education accreditation requirements.