NBME Way in Action: Improving Primum

When you have a continuous improvement mindset, a question that occurs often is, "How could this be better?" That's exactly the question Nicole Fortuna, Senior Test Development Analyst, asked herself regarding preparation materials for the Computer-based Case Simulation (CCS) portion of the USMLE Step 3 examination. The result of her question was a new video, which you can view here.

Based on end-of-survey comments, staff found that not all examinees understand how to use the Primum® software on which the Step 3 examination runs. They reported dissatisfaction with the practice materials on the website; for example, while downloadable to PC users, the practice cases were not downloadable to Mac users. Staff began to understand that some examinees were experiencing a disconnect with the software because of a lack of quality educational materials.

After applying continuous improvement principles, Nicole arrived at an idea: to create a video that would support a better understanding of the Primum software.

"When I mapped out possible solutions, the best solution wasn't to get rid of any materials," she said. "It was to provide a more seamless piece of technology that anyone can use anywhere in order to prepare to better navigate the software on exam day."

She hopes that by creating better ways to prepare students, and by sharing this through our social media channels and website, we'll be better able to serve our examinees and to ensure that we are their first stop for information.