FHML prize for programmatic testing as best education innovation

During the NVMO congress 2017, FHML received the innovation prize from the Dutch Association for Medical Education 2017 for programmatic testing. The School of Health Professions Education stood at the basis of this achievement and is proud of this award.

Programmatic testing is a new test concept in which feedback, self-directed learning, coaching and longitudinal assessment play an important role (see YouTube under programmatic assessment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkk512krNc).

This test concept has been introduced in various courses within FHML. The AKO program and the Master of Medicine use programmatic tests. The concept has been partially introduced in the Bachelor of Medicine and BMW. The prize consists of a certificate and a sum of money of 1500 Euro.

Jury report

The judges praised the consequent manner and level of detail in which the programmatic assessment in Maastricht has been developed. They called it a theoretically well-founded innovation, which also has impact on many other aspects of education and the programme. Furthermore, the judges noted that FHML is making significant progress with this innovation, and is therefore a pioneer and example in an area where other programmes are now taking their first steps. In the recent re-accreditation of the medical programmes the judging panel came to a similar conclusion. The panel described the programmatic assessment and the underlying theoretical/educational philosophy as ambitious and innovative, and thought it showed a forward-looking vision.

The NVMO education innovation prize is awarded twice a year to distinctive and broad innovations in medicine education. An important criterion is that the innovation has to be broadly documented and evaluated.