ABFM’s heart failure self-assessment module simulation actions vis-a-vis guideline recommendations

The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) introduced Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians (MC-FP) in 2004 in response to policy adopted by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS.)1 ABFM reported in 2006 the initial Diplomate experiences with MC-FP.2 At that time, ABFM had Self-Assessment Modules (SAMs), consisting of a 60-item knowledge assessment followed by a virtual patient clinical simulation available only for hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, asthma, and depression. Since that time, ABFM has deployed modules for coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, well child care, maternity care, preventive care, care of the vulnerable elderly, pain management, early childhood illness, cerebrovascular disease, and health behavior. Each of the SAMs includes a Diplomate assessment of both the knowledge assessment and the simulation components.