What resources do clinical competency committees (CCCs) require to do their work? A pilot study comparing CCCs across...

Although a growing literature describes how clinical competency committees (CCCs) make decisions about trainees' clinical performance, little is known about the resources these committees need to perform their work. In this pilot study, we examined key characteristics of CCC processes across generalist and surgical specialties. This study intended to clarify topic areas for further investigation.

A cross-sectional web-based survey of CCC chairpersons at two institutions was conducted in 2017. Survey items were designed to describe not only CCC work, including types of assessment data used and time spent discussing learners, but also resource needs such as faculty development, institutional support, and protected time for members.

The response rate was 59% (16/27). Only 44% offered faculty development to members. There was strong support for the institution to assist with faculty development for CCC members (81.25%), workshops for program coordinators (87.5%) and optimizing residency management software to organize assessment data (81.25%). Most respondents did not receive protected time for their committee work (93.75%).

Further studies are needed to elucidate whether CCC work varies across specialties and the associated committee resource needs. There may be opportunities for institutions to assist CCCs with resources across specialties.