The Importance of Adhering to Terminology When Implementing Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE)

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) Model was developed with consideration of the lessons learned over the past 20 years by other health care professions regarding the implementation of outcomes-based education. As veterinary education programs consider the benefits of outcomes-based training, and more programs begin adopting this model of education, it is more critical than ever to ensure fidelity of the model for successful implementation. Fidelity, or the accuracy with which something is reproduced, was identified as an important factor in successfully implementing competency-based training in medical education (CBME). Without fidelity of the core components of CBME as defined in the medical education literature, programs were challenged to evaluate the effectiveness of the new educational model, and in some cases, this led to premature notions of failure when all components of CBME had not been successfully implemented. Consistency in terminology related to competency-based education is critical for successful implementation of the CBVE Model. The terminology used in higher education, and in other disciplines, describes concepts that are underpinned by research, just as they are in competency-based education. Without shared understanding and accurate use of terminology to describe the tools and strategies used in CBVE, there is a considerable risk of failure or even perceived failure in transitioning to CBVE. The authors of this commentary, the AAVMC Council on Outcomes-based Veterinary Education, continue to encourage veterinary programs across the world to recognize the value of the AAVMC CBVE Model in transforming veterinary education. Through use of shared terminology and consistent application of the components of the model, we envision the expansion of CBVE as an opportunity to advance veterinary education and to promote new graduate success in the veterinary profession.