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PAEA Accreditation Task Force Briefing Paper: Moving Toward Profession-Defined, Outcomes-Based Accreditation.
Mary Jo Bondy1, Sara Fletcher, Steven Lane
1Mary Jo Bondy, DHEd, PA-C, is the director of graduate studies, Academic Affairs/Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland. Sara Fletcher, PhD, is the vice president and chief learning officer at the Physician Assistant Education Association, Washington, DC. Steven Lane, MA, MPP, is senior director, communications, at the Physician Assistant Education Association, Washington, DC.
The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) recommends a backward design approach for revising accreditation standards. This shift to an outcomes-based model aims to foster innovation and improve physician assistant education quality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Accreditation Standards
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is preparing for a revision of its accreditation standards.
- A task force was convened to strategize member engagement in this revision process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new approach for revising physician assistant accreditation standards.
- To advocate for a shift towards a profession-defined, outcomes-based accreditation model.
Main Methods:
- Recommended a backward design approach, focusing on desired outcomes rather than current standards.
- Task force deliberation and strategic planning.
Main Results:
- Proposed a paradigm shift in the accreditation standards revision process.
- Advocated for an outcomes-based model to enhance innovation and address resource limitations like clinical site shortages.
Conclusions:
- A profession-defined, outcomes-based accreditation model can foster innovation in physician assistant education.
- Focusing on meaningful educational outcomes is crucial for enhancing program quality and patient safety.
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