AP Update - Fall 2017-2

QWhat challenges do you encounter from other departmentstryingtooffercontinuingeducation?

AStandardsfor Continuing Professional Development in many disciplines are increasingly aligned, and therefore there are fewer challenges and more opportunities! Curriculum development is becoming a streamlined process as the standards for various accrediting bodies are revised to achieve one ‘gold’ standard – measurable outcomes that enhance clinician’s performance and ultimately improve patient care.

QWhat resources do Continuing Medical Education (CME) Departments have to develop compliant programs compared to program developers in other departments?

ACME is a language that revolves around measurable outcomes and is ultimately a dialect of patient care. The CME Department is fluent in that language and uses it to build bridges among diverse stakeholders.

Interdisciplinary education is increasingly valued, whether you’re an Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) approved provider, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited program, BOC Approved Provider or approved sponsor of Physical Therapy CE. A CME Department can unite an organization’s educational efforts and foster a collaborative environment.

QHow can program developers develop and foster positive relationships with the experts in the CME Department?

ACommunication and lead time are the keys to a successful relationship! Introduce yourself to the CME Department long before the planning process begins for your next Continuing Education program. What are your long-term education goals? Are you looking to increase your organization’s recognition among Athletic Trainers? Have you noticed a reoccurring deficit in patient care? It’s okay to talk about these things without a specific program or agenda in mind!

Our CME office strives to be efficient, but also methodical.

Sufficient lead time with discussion among diverse stakeholders enables us to think through a program and discuss all the potential outcomes.

QWhat advice do you have for non-CME Department staff looking to comply with the Standards for BOC Approved Providers and BOC Approved Provider Handbook as they develop education programs?

ALook at the evidence you’re being asked to provide and make that evidence your goal. The Standards are your roadmap to an effective education program that truly meets the needs of Athletic Trainers and creates

In each issue of the AP Update, the BOC recognizes a BOC Approved Provider for notable efforts to enhance its continuing education programs for Athletic Trainers (ATs). Featured organizations follow the guidelines set forth in the

BOC Approved Provider Handbook and comply with the Standards for BOC Approved Providers.

This issue’s featured BOC Approved Provider is Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), a BOC Approved Provider since 1994. Amy Stair, Director, Accreditation & Compliance, shares their company’s experience as it adapted its procedures to comply with the BOC Standards. Her team includes Alison Goldberg and Whitney Arons who also work regulatory with the BOC.