The prime-working objective of the National Case Management Network of Canada (NCMN) for 2012 is the development of a Canadian National Case Management Competency Framework using the CanMEDS Roles Framework of Essential Competencies.
NCMN has struck a Competency Work Group composed of volunteers to begin the work of creating and validating core competencies for the practice of Case Management in all sectors across the country. When complete, the CanMEDS Case Management Roles Framework will complement the 2009 Canadian Standards of Practice for Case Management.
Supporting NCMN's development of a Case Management Competency Framework is a robust framework developed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In 1996, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada adopted an innovative framework for medical education called the CanMEDS Framework of essential physician competencies. The CanMEDS Framework reflected the work of hundreds of Fellows since the early 1990s; work that was based on empirical research, evidence of societal need, Fellows' expertise, College consensus, and educational design. In 2005, the CanMEDS framework was updated to better reflect the nature of contemporary medicine, and its wording revised for greater clarity and utility.
As an initiative to improve patient care, the focus of CanMEDS is on articulating a comprehensive definition of the competencies needed for medical education and practice. The CanMEDS model for physician competence is adapted around the world in many professions; its framework organized around seven roles: Medical Expert (central role), Communicator, Collaborator, Health Advocate, Manager, Scholar, and Professional. These roles have been developed over more than 20 years beginning with the experiences and needs of citizens and health care consumers, each with their own set of competencies. The CanMEDS competencies have been integrated into the Royal College's accreditation standards, objectives of training, final in-training evaluations, exam blueprints, and the Maintenance of Certification Program.
The National Case Management Network of Canada's modification of the CanMEDS Roles Framework reflects the unique aspects of the Case Manager, also organized around seven roles. These are Case Management Expert (central role), Communicator, Collaborator, Navigator, Advocate, Manager, and Professional. The CanMEDS Case Manager Roles Framework seeks to improve care by articulating the competencies required for Case Management practice and education.
The Competency Work Group adapting the CanMEDS Roles framework for Case Management is cross-sectored (home and community care; acute care; private Case Management and mental health) and reflects Case Management practice from across Canada. It is expected that draft work will be completed in early 2012, at which point broader feedback will be sought from NCMN members and stakeholders.
CITATION: This document can be cited as: Frank, J. R. (Ed.). (2005). The CanMEDS 2005 physician competency framework. Better standards. Better physicians. Better care. Ottawa: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.