A Core Components Framework for Evaluating Implementation of Competency-Based Medical Education Programs.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Competency-based medical education (CBME) is rapidly expanding globally.
• Assessing the fidelity of CBME implementation is crucial but lacks a standardized framework.
• Existing evaluation methods often use checklists, which may not suit CBME's complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a common framework for evaluating the fidelity of competency-based medical education implementation.
• To identify the core components of CBME curricula essential for successful adoption.

Main Methods:

• A two-step approach was employed, starting with defining CBME's change perspective.
• A literature review identified core components, forming a draft framework.
• A modified Delphi approach with international experts achieved consensus on the framework.

Main Results:

• Two change models for CBME were identified: production and reform.
• The reform model was adopted for framework development.
• Five core components of CBME curricula were established: outcome competencies, sequenced progression, tailored learning experiences, competency-focused instruction, and programmatic assessment.

Conclusions:

• A consensus-based framework with five core components was developed for CBME implementation evaluation.
• This framework moves beyond checklists to identify fundamental elements of CBME.
• It provides a foundation for a more nuanced understanding of CBME implementation fidelity and developmental trajectories.