Accreditation Workshop

In Canada, residents play an important role in the accreditation of postgraduate residency programs. The Canadian Association of Internes and Residents (CAIR) noted that there was a scarcity of trained residents available to serve on both internal and external accreditation reviews. A Board decision to train residents on the process and the Standards of Accreditation will allow more residents to participate in the Accreditation process.

An Accreditation workshop has been developed, using a variety of methods including didactic sessions and a simulated accreditation review where participants play the role of the resident surveyor and the role of the resident being surveyed. The aim of the workshop is to increase resident understanding of the accreditation process and to increase resident involvement in future program evaluations. The pilot workshop was held in Ottawa on February 13, 2009. 40 people attended from across Canada. Resident evaluation of the workshop indicated an increased understanding of the accreditation process and increased motivation to share that knowledge with their colleagues.

CAIR and the Colleges are working together to ensure that resident surveyors will be supported by their programs in participating in Accreditation surveys.

If you are interested in participating in an Accreditation workshop and becoming a resident Surveyor, contact the CAIR Office.