Addressing the maintenance of certification challenge: the College of American Pathologists response.
BACKGROUND
The American Board of Medical Specialties Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process will become effective in 2006. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Education Committee defined pathology-specific competencies within MOC categories and used data from a survey of pathologists to create education courses targeted to each MOC category.


OBJECTIVE
To define pathology-specific competencies within MOC categories and to identify priority learning needs for pathologists.


METHODS
A 5-step process was completed for defining pathology-specific competencies within MOC categories and creating education courses targeted to competencies identified in each MOC category. A random survey was distributed to identify priority learning needs based on the gap between the importance rating of each knowledge and skill statement and a rating of current level of proficiency in 3 areas.


RESULTS
Specific competencies and knowledge and skill statements were identified for each MOC competency category. Findings indicate pathologists believe they are poorly prepared for practice in competency categories related to systems-based practice and practice-based learning and improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
The CAP has focused education efforts on identifying a process for defining and responding to the MOC challenge. Pathologists have told us that they have significant needs for learning in specified areas and the CAP will focus development of education courses to meet those identified needs.
Hammond
M Elizabeth H
ME
Department of Pathology, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah 84143, USA. Elizabeth.Hammond@ihc.com
Filling
Constance M
CM
Neumann
Ann R
AR
Homburger
Henry A
HA
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D010336:Pathology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000592:standards*; D013044:Specialty Boards