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What is Competency-Based Medical Education?
Competency-based medical education (CBME) focuses on the development of actionable abilities and skills required for clinical medical practice, not just the acquisition of knowledge. This concept, initially developed in the late 1970s,1 arose from a call for greater accountability of health profession graduates to the public.2 Patients and their families deserve to know that graduates are actually qualified to do the job; that they have not only answered the multiple choice test questions correctly, but that they have demonstrated the ability to apply their knowledge in the practical, tangible ways required for clinical practice.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) specifies that a program’s curriculum must align with the program’s competencies (B1.01b).3 They also require a summative evaluation be given within 4 months of program completion to demonstrate that each student meets those program competencies (B4.03).3 As such the curriculum must support the competencies to be in compliance with ARC-PA requirements, prepare students to successfully pass the summative exam and be eligible for graduation, and be equipped to enter clinical practice. Physician Assistant (PA) programs can help ensure they are providing students with the knowledge and skills to meet the competency expectations upon graduation by aligning the curriculum to the competencies.
References:
1. Holmboe E. The transformational path ahead: competency-based medical education in family medicine. Fam Med. 2021;53(7):583-589. doi:10.22454/FamMed.2021.296914
3. Standards-5th-Ed-March-2023.pdf. Accessed July 9, 2023. https://www.arc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Standards-5th-Ed-March-2023.pdf
What are our Competencies?
Medical Knowledge
Medical Knowledge
Graduates of the Daemen University PA Program will possess the knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and social-behavioral sciences, as well as apply this knowledge to patient care.
MK1: Integrate and apply knowledge of pathophysiologic principles of injury and disease and how it alters the anatomical structure and physiologic functioning of the human body, recognizing associations of disease conditions and complications through application of scientific concepts.
Clinical and Technical Skills
Clinical and Technical Skills
Graduates of the Daemen University PA Program will provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.
CTS1: Elicit and interpret medical history that is relevant and accurate.
CTS2: Conduct appropriate and thorough problem-focused and comprehensive physical examinations to identify and interpret the signs of disease through visual, auditory, tactile, and/or olfactory means.
CTS3: Select appropriate clinical laboratory and diagnostic imaging tests and interpret normal and abnormal results related to patient management.
CTS4: Accurately and efficiently present patient data, including subjective and objective information, assessment, and plans, in both written and oral form.
CTS5: Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedural skills essential for entry into PA practice.
Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities
Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities
Graduates of the Daemen University PA Program will be able to analyze and synthesize relevant patient information to create evidence-based management plans for patients across the lifespan.
CRPS1: Analyze patient information/data using clinical reasoning and critical thinking to develop a differential diagnosis and problem list.
CRPS2: Determine appropriate therapeutic management plans for common medical conditions using pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, surgical, preventive, and rehabilitative interventions
CRPS3: Provide appropriate referrals and counseling for patients regarding physical and mental health, including nutrition, exercise, disease management and prevention, normal growth and development, reproductive health, compliance, and adherence.
CRPS4: Appropriately implement evidence-based protocols and clinical algorithms in providing patient care.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Graduates of Daemen University will demonstrate an effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals
IS1: Demonstrate responsiveness, empathy, active listening, and the ability to recognize and respond to verbal and non-verbal forms of communication in all patient interactions.
IS2: Communicate with patients, families, and healthcare team members effectively and professionally while ensuring appropriate confidentiality.
IS3: Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and a respect for the diverse needs of patients and families, considering social, emotional, spiritual, cultural, economic, and/or environmental factors.
Professional Behaviors
Professional Behaviors
Graduates of the Daemen University PA Program will demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and an adherence to ethical principles
P1: Function as a responsible member of the interprofessional healthcare team by recognizing personal and professional limits, seeking help when needed, and accepting feedback.
P2: Maintain respectful, professional relationships with patients, caregivers, and colleagues.
P3: Navigate the health care system to advocate for optimal patient care and safety while limiting risk.
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