The C.L.E.A.R. Score: a new comprehensive assessment method for academic physicians in military medical centers.
BACKGROUND
Evaluation of medical officer performance is a critical leadership role.


OBJECTIVE
This study offers a comprehensive evaluation system for military physicians.


METHODS
The Comprehensive Assessment equation (COMPASS equation), a modified Cobb-Douglas equation, was developed to evaluate academic physicians. The COMPASS equation assesses military physicians within five comprehensive dimensions: (1) Clinical (2) Leadership, (3) Educational (4) Administrative, and (5) Research productivity excellence to yield a composite "C.L.E.A.R. Score."


RESULTS
The COMPASS equation's fidelity was tested with a cohort of military physicians within the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Capital District Region and a C.L.E.A.R. score was calculated for individual physicians. Mean C.L.E.A.R score was 53.6 +/- 28.8 (range 10.1-98.5). The responsiveness of the model was tested using two hypothetical physician models: "low-performing-faculty" and "super-faculty," and calculated C.L.E.A.R. scores were 6.3 and 153.4, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The C.L.E.A.R. score appears to recognize and assess the performance excellence of military physicians. Weighting measured characteristics of the COMPASS equation can be used to promote organizational priorities. Thus, leaders of military medicine can communicate institutional priorities and inculcate them through use of the COMPASS equation to reward and recognize the activities of military medical officers that are commensurate with institutional goals.
National Defense University, 300 5th Avenue, Washington, DC 20319-5066, USA.
Jerome L
JL
Buller
Hassan A
HA
Tetteh
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000592:standards; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D058749:Military Facilities; D008889:Military Personnel; D009934:Organization and Administration / Q000592:standards; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D010820:Physicians / Q000592:standards*; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards