Since 2013, the ACGME has used Milestones ratings to assess physician learners across the six Core Competencies, including Professionalism and Interpersonal and Communication Skills. A new study published in JAMA sheds light on their association to early unsupervised practice.
The study, co-authored by members of the ACGME Research and Evaluation team, explored whether Milestones ratings in the Professionalism and Interpersonal and Communication Skills domains for residents in adult primary care specialties (internal medicine, family medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology) were linked to patient experience during their first year of independent practice. Using CG-CAHPS survey data, researchers found that higher ratings in these competencies were significantly associated with better patient-reported experiences, especially regarding physician behavior, communication, and overall satisfaction.
These findings reinforce the value of competency-based assessments in graduate medical education and suggest that low Milestones ratings in the Professionalism and Interpersonal and Communication Skills domains may warrant targeted interventions during residency. While more research is needed to connect these ratings to clinical outcomes, this study highlights the importance of preparing physicians not just for clinical excellence, but for meaningful patient interactions. Read the full article on the JAMA website.
Contact
