The use of practice analysis to develop a content outline for a board certifying examination

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Credentialing
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) has historically relied on volunteer subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop its Part I certifying examination content outline.
• This traditional method, while rigorous, was based on SME opinions and experiences and did not fully encompass the evolving clinical landscape of PM&R.
• Recognizing the need for an updated framework, the ABPMR initiated a comprehensive practice analysis in 2023 to better reflect the specialty's current scope of practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a revised content outline for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Part I certifying examination.
• The updated outline aims to comprehensively cover the breadth of the specialty, including essential knowledge and skills for competent PM&R physicians post-residency.

Main Methods:

• A rigorous practice analysis methodology was employed, involving detailed project planning.
• Key components included the utilization of focus groups, meticulous survey development, strategic dissemination, and thorough data analysis.
• Findings informed SMEs in creating the revised content outline and determining domain weighting for the examination.

Main Results:

• The practice analysis successfully facilitated the first update to the ABPMR Part I Examination content outline since its establishment.
• This systematic approach ensured the revised outline accurately represents the current scope of PM&R practice.

Conclusions:

• The content outline for the ABPMR Part I Examination has been successfully updated for the first time using a practice analysis methodology.
• This report details the process undertaken to achieve this significant revision, ensuring future examinations align with contemporary PM&R practice.