Competency-based education in human medicine moves away from the idea that competence is related to time on a rotation. The fundamental premise is the Day 1 test. On Day 1, what can students do with no supervision?
This is an outcomes-based approach to the design, implementation, assessment and evaluation of an education program using competencies. It asks:
- What are the abilities needed of grads?
- How can we sequence from novice to expert?
- How can we enhance teacher-trainee interaction?
- What learning activities are really needed?
- How can we use best practices in assessment?
Competency-based principles include:
- A focus on outcomes: graduate abilities
- Ensuring progression of competence
- Viewing time as a resource, not a framework
- Promoting leaner centerdness
- Demanding greater transparency and utility in the program/curriculum