Growing CAP

When CAP was introduced as ABO’s innovative new MOC platform in 2019, we knew there would be a learning curve for Diplomates and that some may even question the replacement of the 10-year recertification exam with nine separate mini-assessments. But we also knew that we were on to something. Several member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties were moving to similar platforms and there was a wealth of data supporting the benefits of smaller, more frequent testing methods, or formative assessments.

With two years, seven CAP assessments, one survey and a multitude of feedback under our belt, CAP continues to evolve to better serve the learning needs of our Diplomates while at the same time serving as a standard of competency and quality care that patients can count on.

To quote our Director of Education and Assessment, Dr. Cathy Hines, “We are using the same learning and assessment methods to improve our program that we use to deliver learning and assessment modules to Diplomates. Through frequent engagement, feedback, and analysis, we continue to build and refine CAP to provide a superior platform for sharing knowledge and measuring competency.”

As we are nearing the end of the first 3-year evaluation period for our first group of CAP participants, we have seen the following enhancements and growth in the program.

• Assessments were refined to allow for 10 minutes per question, fewer and more focused reference documents, certificates of completion available for printing and score reports upon completion to review correct and incorrect items.
• Assessments provide 3 hours of CE toward MOC requirements that are automatically added to an individual’s Category 1 CE totals upon completion. All passed assessments are sent to OE Tracker on a quarterly basis for inclusion in individual OE Tracker accounts.
• If a Diplomate has met all CAP requirements by the end of their 3-year evaluation period, then year 4 is deemed a “free” year with no requirements due. A new MOC cycle will begin following the 4^th year. If a Diplomate has NOT met all requirements at the end of their 3-year evaluation period, then year 4 becomes a “remediation” year, allowing time to catch up with requirements. Diplomates may contact the ABO office for more details on remediating requirements at [email protected].
• The following states are now accepting CAP assessments toward state requirements:
  
  

We continue to work with states to gain approval for CAP assessments to count toward state CE requirements. Our Ambassadors are working proactively along with our staff to make sure all Diplomates can take credit for the effort put forth to prepare and pass each assessment. If you would like to submit an assessment to your state board, please contact April Wilhelm at [email protected]. We can provide a course packet for the assessments for state boards to review.

Overwhelmingly, Diplomates have reached out to ABO with positive comments regarding their CAP experience. The most often heard sentiment is “I thoroughly enjoy the CAP assessments. I have learned a great deal and feel I am a better doctor with that knowledge. While preparing for each assessment takes a few hours, it is absolutely worth it.”

We appreciate everyone’s patience and feedback as we have worked to build and improve this program. And although we have come a long way, we will continue to assess, refine and grow CAP for the benefit of our Diplomates.