Competency-Based Methods in Adult Cardiac Sonography and its Application to Credentialing

Abstract

Objectives: This research examined the effects of multiple combined competency-based methods in an adult cardiac Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited diagnostic medical sonography program on clinical and didactic scores. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent group research design was used to evaluate students enrolled in an adult cardiac CAAHEP accredited echocardiography curriculum. Their cumulative final examination and clinical competency evaluation scores from multiple cohorts (pre- and post-intervention) were used for statistical analyses. Results: There were no significant differences between multiple competency-based assessments and didactic or clinical scores but unveiled reasons that coincide with the literature, such as nonvalid and subjective clinical assessment. Conclusion: These results suggest further evaluation of the credentialing process to ensure clinical competency.