RE-AIM evaluation of accreditation process in Turkey.

Background: Effects of accreditation on various areas of medical education were studied in literature. However, data about comprehensive evaluation of accreditation activities is limited. This paper aims to present how an accreditation agency self-evaluates its own accreditation activities.

Methods: Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Medical Education Programs (TEPDAD) is an accreditation agency in Turkey. RE-AIM evaluation framework was used to evaluate TEPDAD's activities. The accreditation processes were evaluated through indicators set for each of five RE-AIM evaluation framework dimensions (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance). Data for evaluation for each dimension were gathered from the documents available in TEPDAD website and archives. Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were used when necessary to investigate the degree of achievement for each indicator.

Results: Seventy-five (83%) of 90 medical schools meeting the application criteria are registered in the accreditation system. Effectiveness analyses revealed that medical education programs improved in eight areas (education program, student representation, documentation, assessment, infrastructure/facilities, faculty development, educational management). Accreditation processes were well adopted by medical schools and TEPDAD volunteers. The number of medical education programs registered in the accreditation system has gradually increased over years. For the accreditation implementation process, medical schools and TEPDAD evaluators provided positive feedback. Medical schools and TEPDAD invested efforts to maintain the accreditation process over time and changing conditions. All of the previously accredited schools have applied for reaccreditation for the second or third cycles to maintain their status. TEPDAD has maintained its recognition status by national and international authorities by several times. The accreditation standards have been continuously reviewed and renewed when necessary. The organizational structure of TEPDAD has been changed in time considering feedback and past experiences. TEPDAD also arranges meetings to promote and maintain its activities.

Conclusions: TEPDAD has achieved significant success in terms of reaching majority of the Turkish medical schools, leading to prominent developments in medical education programs without any significant problems related to process, procedures and maintenance. There are still areas of improvement for TEPDAD such as reaching all targeted schools and guiding medical schools to improve quality in diverse elements of medical education programs.