Quality assurance of medical education: Lessons learned from use and analysis of the WFME global standards

Abstract

Background: In 2003, the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) published the Trilogy of Global Standards for Quality Improvement of Medical Education, covering all three phases of education in medicine. The intention was to provide an instrument to be used by medical schools and responsible authorities in quality assurance and improvement of medical education. The standards were revised in 2015.

Results: This paper reviews 29 published articles dealing with the practical use and analysis of the standards. 21 papers deal with basic medical education, six with postgraduate medical education and two with CPD.

Conclusion: It is concluded that using the WFME standards can be a profitable endeavor with documented impact. Standards should be used as intended, i.e. as a template modified with local specifications.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Prof. David Gordon, WFME President, for his support and advices in conducting this project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hans Sjöström

Hans Sjöström, MD, DMSc, a graduate of the University of Lund, was Professor of Biochemistry in the University of Copenhagen. He has extensive experience in academic leadership and in curriculum implementation.

Leif Christensen

Leif Christensen, MScSoc, is a sociologist by academic profession; his previous appointments have included dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, prorector of the University of Copenhagen and head of Administration of Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Jørgen Nystrup

Jørgen Nystrup, MD, is a psychiatrist formerly based in Roskilde, Region Sjaelland, Denmark. He is former president of the Association for Medical Education in Europe and former chairman of the National Advisory Board for Health Professional Education of the Danish Ministry of Education.

Hans Karle

Hans Karle, MD, DMSc, Dhc, FRCP is a retired hematologist from Herlev University Hospital, University of Copenhagen. He was President of the World Federation for Medical Education 1996 – 2008 and was Project Coordinator of the Avicenna Directories in Copenhagen.