An Examination of Self-Reported Assessment Activities Documented by Specialist Physicians for Maintenance of Certification

INTRODUCTION Specialists in a Maintenance of Certification program are required to participate in assessment activities, such as chart audit, simulation, knowledge assessment, and multisource feedback. This study examined data from five different specialties to identify variation in participation in assessment activities, examine differences in the learning stimulated by assessment, assess the frequency and type of planned changes, and assess the association between learning, discussion, and planned changes. METHODS E-portfolio data were categorized and analyzed descriptively. Chi-squared tests examined associations. RESULTS A total of 2854 anatomical pathologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists, and orthopedic surgeons provided data about 6063 assessment activities. Although there were differences in the role that learning played by discipline and assessment type, the most common activities documented across all specialties were self-assessment programs (n = 2122), feedback on teaching (n = 1078), personal practice assessments which the physician did themselves (n = 751), annual reviews (n = 682), and reviews by third parties (n = 661). Learning occurred for 93% of the activities and was associated with change. For 2126 activities, there were planned changes. Activities in which there was a discussion with a peer or supervisor were more likely to result in a change. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION Although specialists engaged in many types of assessment activities to meet the Maintenance of Certification program requirements, there was variability in how assessment stimulated learning and planned changes. It seems that peer discussion may be an important component in fostering practice change and forming plans for improvement which bears further study.