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Residency programs across Canada are transitioning to Competence by Design (CBD). Our innovative framework improves the traditional transition to independent senior overnight call process by adding workplace-based (WBA) assessments. Our process ensures that faculty and residents have a shared understanding of what competencies need to be demonstrated before residents can work independently as the in-house senior resident overnight. This protocol is worth exploring; initial perceptions suggest an increase in resident confidence while on call and improved faculty comfort when paired with these senior residents. We believe that this in turn will be reflected in enhanced patient care.

Objectives In 2017, Queen’s University launched Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) across 29 programs simultaneously. Two years post-implementation, we asked key stakeholders (faculty, residents, and program leaders) within the Pediatrics program for their perspectives on and experiences with CBME so far. Methods Program leadership explicitly described the intended outcomes of implementing CBME. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with all stakeholders to describe the enacted implementation. The intended versus enacted implementations were compared to provide insight into needed adaptations for program improvement. Results Overall, stakeholders saw value in the concept of CBME. Residents felt they received more specific feedback and monthly Competence Committee (CC) meetings and Academic Advisors were helpful. Conversely, all stakeholders noted the increased expectations had led to a feeling of assessment fatigue. Faculty noted that direct observation and not knowing a resident’s previous performance information was challenging. Residents wanted to see faculty initiate assessments and improved transparency around progress and promotion decisions. Discussion The results provided insight into how well the intended outcomes had been achieved as well as areas for improvement. Proposed adaptations included a need for increased direct observation and exploration of faculty accessing residents’ previous performance information. Education was provided on the performance expectations of residents and how progress and promotion decisions are made. As well, “flex blocks” were created to help residents customize their training experience to meet their learning needs. The results of this study can be used to inform and guide implementation and adaptations in other programs and institutions.

Background: The Department of Pediatrics at Queen’s University undertook a pilot project in July 2017 to increase the frequency of direct observations (DO) its residents received without affecting the patient flow in a busy hospital-based pediatric ambulatory care clinic. Facilitating DO for authentic workplace-based assessments is essential for assessing resident’s core competencies. The purpose of this study was to pilot an innovative education intervention to address the challenge of implementing DO in the clinical setting. Methods: The project allowed for staff physicians to act as “dedicated assessors” (DA), a faculty member who was scheduled to conduct direct observations of trainees’ clinical skills, while not acting as the attending physician on duty. At the end of the project, focus group interviews were conducted with faculty and residents, and thematic analysis was completed. Results: Participants reported an increase in the overall quality of feedback received during the observations performed by a DA, with more specific feedback and a broader focus of assessment. There seemed to be little disruption to patient care. Some residents described the observations as anxiety-provoking. Conclusions: Overall, this project provides insight into an educational approach that medical residency programs can apply to increase the frequency of workplace-based DO and boost the quality of feedback residents receive while maintaining the flow of already busy ambulatory care clinics.