The ACGME outcome project: retrospective and prospective

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education began an initiative in 1998 to improve resident physicians' ability to provide quality patient care and to work effectively in current and evolving healthcare delivery systems.

This initiative, called the Outcome Project, seeks changes in residency programs that focus education on the competency domains, enhance assessment of resident performance and increase utilization of educational outcomes for improving residents' education. Increased emphasis on educational outcome measures in accreditation is another important goal.