Evolving Maintenance of Certification in Canada: A Collaborative Journey

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Program Design

Background:

• Continuous professional development (CPD) is essential for physicians to maintain and improve clinical skills.
• Evolving healthcare landscapes necessitate modern and adaptable CPD programs.
• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program required transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modernize the MOC Program using a design thinking approach.
• To incorporate physician and patient insights into CPD framework development.
• To create a flexible, user-centered CPD program.

Main Methods:

• Applied a design thinking methodology (empathy, define, ideate, prototype, test).
• Conducted a member-wide survey and co-design sessions with physicians, CPD leaders, and patient representatives.
• Iteratively prototyped and validated the revised MOC framework based on user feedback.

Main Results:

• Identified key themes: meaningful learning, addressing CPD barriers, fostering collaboration, and flexible delivery.
• Developed a dynamic and responsive MOC framework aligned with user needs and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated the value of user engagement in program transformation.

Conclusions:

• The design thinking approach effectively transformed the MOC Program.
• User-centered design is crucial for creating relevant and effective CPD frameworks.
• The modernized MOC program better supports evolving physician needs and healthcare demands.