Implementation, Operationalization, and Optimization of Clinical Competency Committees in Postgraduate Training...

An increasing body of evidence reports on the training, development, implementation, operationalization, and outputs of clinical competency committees (CCCs). However, there is a paucity of syntheses on this existing evidence, contributing to a limited understanding of the factors that influence optimal CCC functioning. This scoping review maps studies that investigated and reported on CCC faculty development, structures and processes, and barriers, facilitators, and recommendations to optimize CCC functioning.

The authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, Education Source, and Web of Science on January 31, 2023, and April 1, 2024, using subject headings and search terms such as clinical competency committee, resident , and faculty development . The searches were restricted to articles published between July 30, 2013, and April 1, 2024. The authors used a quasi-statistical content analysis to quantify and draw meaning from the evidence on CCC faculty development, structures, processes, and factors that influence optimal CCC functioning.

Data were extracted from 39 full-text articles. Four key thematic categories describe the focus of the findings: (1) faculty development, including the topics and delivery of the training for individuals involved in CCCs; (2) CCC structures, including the various sizes and compositions and meeting frequencies and durations; (3) CCC processes, including procedures before, during, and after the meetings; and (4) barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for optimal CCC functions.

This review demonstrates extensive variability in the ways in which CCCs are structured and run across programs. The findings reveal multiple key barriers and facilitators related to the sufficiency of collected assessment data, CCC composition, pre-CCC meeting work, understanding and interpretation of performance data, and presence of biases during decision-making. Postgraduate programs, CCC leaders, and accrediting bodies can use the findings and implications in this review to inform strategic thinking and future research agendas for local CCC development, implementation, operationalization, and optimization efforts.