Accreditation Approaches for Professional Education Programs: Toward Best Practice.

Area of Science:

• Professional Education
• Quality Assurance
• Accreditation Models

Background:

• Accreditation is crucial for professional education quality assurance.
• Research on the effectiveness of diverse accreditation models remains limited.
• This study addresses the need for evidence-based accreditation practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rapidly appraise evidence on the effectiveness, impact, and feasibility of various accreditation approaches.
• To inform best practices for accrediting professional education programs, including veterinary programs.
• To identify trends and gaps in the literature on accreditation models.

Main Methods:

• A rapid review methodology was employed for evidence appraisal.
• Searched multiple databases for articles published between 2000 and 2020.
• Included empirical and conceptual articles, excluding commentaries and descriptive papers (32 articles reviewed).

Main Results:

• Identified a literature shift from input/process-based to outcomes-based accreditation models.
• Recent approaches include continuous quality improvement and targeted (risk-based, thematic) models.
• Limited empirical evidence exists for the relative effectiveness of different accreditation approaches, though emerging evidence for newer models is present.

Conclusions:

• A definitive evidence base for specific accreditation models is lacking.
• Accrediting bodies should adopt a contextual approach to accreditation.
• Clearly articulate regulatory purposes and align accreditation methods with underlying principles.