TAGME Data Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ACGME data system is used by program directors to submit annual program information and resident/fellow case logs?
- WebADS (Correct answer)
- ACGME Case Log System
- Milestones Assessment Portal
- GME Track
Correct answer: WebADS
WebADS (Web Accreditation Data System) is the ACGME platform where programs submit annual program information updates and accreditation-related data.
Question 2: When a program administrator exports resident duty hour data for an internal audit, which format best preserves data integrity for subsequent statistical analysis?
- PDF report
- CSV file (Correct answer)
- HTML table
- JPEG screenshot
Correct answer: CSV file
CSV (comma-separated values) files preserve raw data in a structured, importable format suitable for statistical software without locking formatting.
Question 3: A program receives a request from an outside institution to verify a former resident's training dates. Under FERPA, the program administrator should:
- Provide the dates freely since training records are not educational records
- Obtain written consent from the former resident before releasing information (Correct answer)
- Deny all requests to protect privacy
- Share only if the requesting institution is accredited
Correct answer: Obtain written consent from the former resident before releasing information
FERPA protects educational records of former students/trainees, requiring written consent before disclosure to outside parties unless an exemption applies.
Question 4: In the context of ACGME's Milestones reporting, what is the recommended minimum number of evaluations per resident per semi-annual reporting period?
- One evaluation from the program director only
- Multiple evaluations from faculty who have directly observed the resident (Correct answer)
- A single self-assessment
- Two evaluations from co-residents
Correct answer: Multiple evaluations from faculty who have directly observed the resident
ACGME recommends that milestone ratings reflect input from multiple faculty who have directly observed the resident to ensure validity and reliability.
Question 5: A training administrator notices duplicate resident records in the GME management system. The BEST first step is to:
- Delete both records and re-enter the data
- Compare both records for accuracy before merging or correcting (Correct answer)
- Leave duplicates and notify the registrar only
- Archive one record without review
Correct answer: Compare both records for accuracy before merging or correcting
Comparing both records before any action prevents accidental loss of accurate data and ensures the merged or corrected record is complete.
Question 6: Which metric is most useful for tracking whether a residency program is meeting its complement (approved positions) over time?
- Match rate vs. approved positions filled each year (Correct answer)
- Average USMLE Step 1 score of matched applicants
- Number of faculty publications
- Cost per resident trained
Correct answer: Match rate vs. approved positions filled each year
Comparing match/fill rate against approved positions over time directly shows whether the program is utilizing its complement and sustaining recruitment.
Question 7: When preparing for an ACGME site visit, which data should a program administrator compile to demonstrate scholarly activity compliance?
- Resident social media activity
- Peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and research projects by faculty and residents (Correct answer)
- Patient satisfaction scores only
- Revenue generated by resident clinical work
Correct answer: Peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and research projects by faculty and residents
ACGME program requirements include scholarly activity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, presentations, quality improvement projects, and research by program participants.
Which ACGME data system is used by program directors to submit annual program information and resident/fellow case logs?