Barriers to the implementation of competency-based education and assessment: a survey of otolaryngology program directors.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the barriers faced by otolaryngology program directors as they implement competency-based education and assessment and to identify preferred approaches to meet these challenges as suggested by program directors.


METHODS
A national survey of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery program directors.


METHODS
We developed a 20-item questionnaire that was distributed to 102 otolaryngology program directors through SurveyMonkey. Nonrespondents were reminded by follow-up email and phone calls. Results were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis.


RESULTS
A total of 88 (86%) program directors responded to the survey. There was a marked discrepancy between the income received and time spent performing the duties of the program director. Program director workload was recognized as the most important barrier to the implementation of competency-based education. Creating a practical clearinghouse of existing and emerging assessment tools was given the highest rating among the approaches to meet the challenges faced by program directors.


CONCLUSIONS
Program directors in otolaryngology do not have sufficient financial support, protected time, and personnel to fulfill their administrative and educational responsibilities. They should be provided with additional institutional assistance to help them achieve the goals of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education outcome project.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Kulsoom
K
Laeeq
Robert A
RA
Weatherly
Hamid
H
Masood
Richard E
RE
Thompson
David J
DJ
Brown
Charles W
CW
Cummings
Nasir I
NI
Bhatti
D000068:Accreditation / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D000288:Administrative Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003142:Communication; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005378:Financial Support; D006801:Humans; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010559:Personnel Management; D011361:Professional Competence; D016730:Program Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D016526:Workload