Need

As medical simulation was introduced to healthcare education in the early 2000's, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) wanted to explore the potential of using simulation technology in its evaluation of credentialed physicians.

MSC Solution

MSC began working with ABIM in 2003 to investigate the potential of using simulation technology as an evaluation tool. Ten clinical centers participated in the study, in which 120 physicians with varying levels of expertise completed six cases. Study results indicated that the simulated cases could assess cognitive and procedural skills in performing interventional cardiology procedures, and could discriminate between novice and advanced skill levels of physicians performing interventional cardiology procedures.

Based on the study results, in early 2008 the ABIM incorporated medical simulation technology into the ABIM Maintenance of Certification program. Interventional Cardiology Simulations uses MSC SimSuite technology and ABIM-developed catheterization lab simulation scenarios to help physicians identify their strengths and weaknesses in interventional cardiology.

Completion of Interventional Cardiology Simulations provides physicians with 20 points toward completion of the Self-Evaluation of Medical Knowledge requirement for Maintenance of Certification. The program is available to physicians enrolled in ABIM Maintenance of Certification through MSC's SimSuite education centers and at several medical conferences.

Results

One year after the program's inception, over 150 physicians have completed the Interventional Cardiology Simulations, including 92 physicians who completed the simulations at the TCT 2008 conference. Testing appointments at SimSuite Centers and conferences are in high demand, and MSC is working with ABIM to provide additional testing opportunities. MSC and ABIM plan to continue their work together to research how simulation can be further incorporated into evaluation of physician competencies and abilities.