Practice Analysis and Determining the Knowledge and Skills Expected of a Pediatric Rheumatologist

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rheumatology
• Medical Education
• Professional Practice Analysis

Background:

• The scope of pediatric rheumatology clinical practice lacks a clear definition.
• This ambiguity hinders understanding of essential knowledge and skills for pediatric rheumatologists.
• A precise definition is needed to improve training and certification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a precise definition of clinical pediatric rheumatology practice.
• To improve training curricula for pediatric rheumatologists.
• To develop relevant certification examinations.

Main Methods:

• A practice analysis involved pediatric rheumatologist panels to create a Practice Analysis Document (PAD) and Test Content Outline (TCO).
• Entrustable professional activities and existing TCO guided the process.
• Surveys of program directors and practicing pediatric rheumatologists validated the documents.

Main Results:

• A PAD was developed, detailing 14 condition categories and 8 practice domains with associated tasks, knowledge, and skills.
• A TCO with 18 domains was created for certification examination content.
• Surveys confirmed the importance, usefulness, and relevance of the PAD and TCO.

Conclusions:

• The practice analysis successfully generated resources to define pediatric rheumatology clinical practice.
• The PAD and TCO can guide the development of specific training programs.
• These resources will aid in creating accurate and relevant certification examinations.