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e-Portfolio Competency Metadata: Pilot Study for a Call to Action

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Abstract

The six competency domains required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) have led to a proliferation of measurement tools, assessment methods, and all forms of data from paper to electronic. The need exists to develop a standardized electronic (e)-portfolio to provide the aggregate data to improve education and patient care. This process requires a sound methodology using XML metadata to allow portability of e-portfolio data. We surveyed publicly available metadata and developed an e-portfolio system for the Henry Ford Hospital General Surgery Residency Program. Based on our implementation of e-portfolios for 70 physicians, we call upon the ACGME, the Residency Review Committees, and the American Board of Medical Specialties to establish a method to formalize and develop a standard for residency competency metadata. Using an approach similar to that of our study can streamline data and lead to improved medical education and ultimately better patient care.

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Correspondence to Ilan Rubinfeld.

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Rao, S., Swartz, A., Obeid, L. et al. e-Portfolio Competency Metadata: Pilot Study for a Call to Action. J Med Syst 36, 457–462 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-010-9490-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-010-9490-3

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