We're planning an activity on a subject that our learners don't know about. Why do we need to measure a change in their "competence" on the subject, if they need "knowledge"?
Gained knowledge is valuable, but if there is no indication it is being applied or put into practice, it doesn't result in measurable changes. ACCME requires providers to develop education designed to create changes in competence, performance or patient outcomes, with a change in competence as the minimum requirement. Remember, knowledge gets to the learner question of "do they know it?" Competence gets to the learner question of "Can they apply it?"
We've identified some areas for future improvement in our program. Is this enough for our Self-Study Report?
Identifying areas for improvement is terrific, but it's only the first step. Per the ACCME, "the provider is asked to identify, plan, and implement changes to its CME program that will help it be more effective." Once you've identified areas for improvement, make a game plan and take action. You need to document these steps in your Self-Study Report to demonstrate to ACCME that your program is actively making changes to better achieve your mission.
