ABIM is committed to research regarding Certification, Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and our assessment programs. Research areas include the value of physician assessment and evaluation, the role of certification and MOC and efficacy of assessment tools. Learn more about how ABIM uses physician data for research.
We welcome your comments about our research.
Featured Research Infographic
The Value of Assessment
Studies have found that ther are four key elements to keeping knowledge current and easily retrievable. Taking an assessment as part of ABIM’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program touched on all four of these elements. Download the full PDF with citations.
Keep Cognitive Skills Fresh
Embrace changing standards in healthcare - outdated knowledge may hinder your learning and retrieval of new knowledge.
In the absence of deliberate practice, learned information is forgotten over time (The Forgetting Curve). Knowledge should be easily accessible when you need it most, especially in patient care.
Go Beyond Self-Assessment
The less skilled are more unaware of their gaps in knowledge so that feedback on performance is essential (Dunning-Kruger Effect)
Testing Enhances Learning and Retention
Testing effect: Repeated recall of clinical content through testing enhances learning
Feedback with correct responses enhances the ability to put knowledge into practice (such as ABIM's Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment)
Consequences Motivate
Passing a consequential assessment can be a great source of motivation
More Research Highlights
The Need for Physician Assessment
A white paper on the theoretical framework of physician’s clinical knowledge revealed cognitive skills need to be kept current, self-assessment is not enough, testing enhances learning and retention, and goals and consequences motivate.