Abstract
Competency-based education (CBE) has transformed medical training during the last decades. In Flanders (Belgium), multiple competency frameworks are being used concurrently guiding paediatric postgraduate CBE. This study aimed to merge these frameworks into an integrated competency framework for postgraduate paediatric training. In a first phase, these frameworks were scrutinized and merged into one using the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) framework as a comprehensive basis. Thereafter, the resulting unified competency framework was validated using a Delphi study with three consecutive rounds. All competencies (n = 95) were scored as relevant in the first round, and twelve competencies were adjusted in the second round. After the third round, all competencies were validated for inclusion. Nevertheless, differences in the setting in which a paediatrician may work make it difficult to apply a general framework, as not all competencies are equally relevant, applicable, or suitable for evaluation in every clinical setting. These challenges call for a clear description of the competencies to guide curriculum planning, and to provide a fitting workplace context and learning opportunities.Conclusion: A competency framework for paediatric post-graduate training was developed by combining three existing frameworks, and was validated through a Delphi study. This competency framework can be used in setting the goals for workplace learning during paediatric training.What is Known:•Benefits of competency-based education and its underlying competency frameworks have been described in the literature.•A single and comprehensive competency framework can facilitate training, assessment, and certification.What is New:•Three existing frameworks were merged into one integrated framework for paediatric postgraduate education, which was then adjusted and approved by an expert panel.•Differences in the working environment might explain how relevant a competency is perceived.
Highlights
During the last decades, competency-based education (CBE) has driven medical training towards the implementation of competency frameworks to evaluate clinical performance
Specific competency frameworks have been developed for postgraduate paediatric training, such as the Curriculum for Common Trunk Training in Paediatrics [4] and The Pediatrics Milestones project [5]
CBE facilitates curriculum development [7, 8, 10], and it presents a utilitarian approach to curriculum planning, advocating that each curricular element should contribute to learner outcomes [6]
Summary
Competency-based education (CBE) has driven medical training towards the implementation of competency frameworks to evaluate clinical performance. CBE offers numerous benefits for a postgraduate paediatric training [6,7,8,9,10]. It brings structure to the complex and unstructured clinical environment during workplace-based learning, the core of postgraduate medical education (PGME) [12, 13]. CBE facilitates curriculum development [7, 8, 10], and it presents a utilitarian approach to curriculum planning, advocating that each curricular element should contribute to learner outcomes [6]. The focus on general competencies in CBE contributes to a holistic perspective of the medical profession [7,8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
