Analyzing the Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases to Identify the Knowledge Tested on ABP Board Certification...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Board Certification

Background:

• The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) periodically updates the Pediatric Infectious Diseases (ID) Certifying Examination content outline.
• A comprehensive practice analysis was conducted to ensure alignment with current clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the existing content outline for the Pediatric ID Certifying Examination.
• To ensure the examination accurately reflects the knowledge and skills required for contemporary pediatric infectious disease practice.

Main Methods:

• A panel of pediatric infectious disease physicians identified core tasks and knowledge areas.
• A nationwide survey of board-certified physicians provided relevance ratings and feedback.
• The content outline underwent iterative revisions based on expert input and survey data.

Main Results:

• The final content outline includes 22 domains and 196 subdomains.
• Updated domain weights reflect the current clinical landscape, with increased emphasis on cardiovascular, bone/joint, and urologic infections.
• Antimicrobial principles domain weight was decreased.

Conclusions:

• The revised content outline enhances the content validity of the Pediatric ID Certifying Examination.
• This process supports the ABP's mission to certify physicians providing safe and effective pediatric ID care.