Exploring the connections between programmatic assessment and program evaluation within competency-based medical education programs

Abstract

Programmatic assessment and program evaluation are both important within competency-based medical education (CBME) programs. Given this importance, there is value in evaluating programmatic assessment as well as using the information collected in programmatic assessment for the evaluation of CBME programs. In order to help facilitate these two activities, this paper distinguishes between programmatic assessment and program evaluation as well as highlights the connections between them. In doing so, it shows that programmatic assessment and program evaluation, when employed appropriately, can complement each other and contribute to the overall effectiveness of CBME programs.

Keywords:

• Assessment
• evaluation
• medicine

Disclosure statement

The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the article. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Acknowledgment

The Author would like to thank Dr. Kaylee Eady for her helpful comments on drafts of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katherine A. Moreau

Katherine A. Moreau, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa and a Senior Researcher at the University of Ottawa Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services.