Milestones on a Shoestring: A Cost-Effective, Semi-automated Implementation of the New ACGME Requirements for Radiology.
OBJECTIVE
The advent of the ACGME's Next Accreditation System represents a significant new challenge for residencies and fellowships, owing to its requirements for more complex and detailed information.


METHODS
We developed a system of online assessment tools to provide comprehensive coverage of the twelve ACGME Milestones and digitized them using freely available cloud-based productivity tools. These tools include a combination of point-of-care procedural assessments, electronic quizzes, online modules, and other data entry forms. Using free statistical analytic tools, we also developed an automated system for management, processing, and data reporting.


RESULTS
After one year of use, our Milestones project has resulted in the submission of over 20,000 individual data points. The use of automated statistical methods to generate resident-specific profiles has allowed for dynamic reports of individual residents' progress. These profiles both summarize data and also allow program directors access to more granular information as needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Informatics-driven strategies for data assessment and processing represent feasible solutions to Milestones assessment and analysis, reducing the potential administrative burden for program directors, residents, and staff.
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Electronic address: james.e.schmitt@uphs.upenn.edu.
J Eric
JE
Schmitt
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Mary H
MH
Scanlon
Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sabah
S
Servaes
Department of Radiology, Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dayna
D
Levin
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Tessa S
TS
Cook
D000068:Accreditation; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*
ACGME; Milestones; informatics