In 1993, the AANS received full accreditation to sponsor continuing medical education activities by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Like hospitals, medical schools, and residency training programs, the AANS is reaccredited periodically as a CME sponsor. In October, 1997, the AANS again will be reviewed for reaccreditation to sponsor CME activities for physicians. Following is a brief summary of what will be required from the AANS in order to retain its ACCME accreditation, a very important benefit to members.
ACCME Essentials
The ACCME requires that sponsors substantially meet “Essentials” in order to be accredited. Two Essentials focus on the organization’s structure, resources, financial stability, and clearly defined educational mission. Four Essentials address the quality of educational programming. These are: Needs Assessment, Educational Objectives, Design and Implementation, and Evaluation. One Essential requires compliance with all other Essentials for educational activities jointly sponsored with non-accredited organizations. Not only are the Essentials required by the ACCME, but if documented and linked together properly, they are the key to success for any CME activity and for organizations seeking accreditation.
The ACCME also has Standards for Commercial Support of Continuing Medical Education and Guidelines for Enduring Materials. Enduring materials are defined as printed, recorded, or computer-assisted instructional materials which may be used over time at various locations and constitute a planned activity of CME.
CCCE Organizes Process
In order to meet the ACCME requirements for accreditation, the AANS Coordinating Committee for Continuing Education (CCCE) serves as a focal point through which all AANS educational activities are coordinated. The committees that coordinate directly with the CCCE are: Annual Meeting Scientific Program, Professional Development, Publications, Young Neurosurgeons, and the Joint Sponsorship Subcommittee. The Outcomes Committee, the CNS Education Committee, and the Editorial Board of NEUROSURGERY://ON-CALL® also are represented on the CCCE.
In subsequent issues of the Bulletin the “Essentials” will be addressed in more depth.