The final C3DO Phase 2 pilot administration was given on March 21, 2025.
The NBOME thanks all of our Phase 2 COM partners. Their collaboration was vital to the project’s success and remains an important part of the C3DO as we work together to develop this important tool for assessment of fundamental osteopathic clinical skills. We deeply appreciate their dedication and their partnership.
As we celebrate a successful conclusion to Phase 2, however, we are also full steam into Phase 3. The 10 COMs (12 campuses) joining us in this next phase are piloting enhancements crafted in response to lessons learned during Phase 2, enhancements we are excited to see in action starting with the first Phase 3 pilot administration on April 1.
Some of the updates made for Phase 3 include updates to the activity content and case selection. Changes to preparation materials to streamline processes will improve feasibility for more participating colleges of osteopathic medicine.
Students will rotate through six cases, with assessments of history building and physical examination skills, osteopathic principles and osteopathic manipulative treatment during the encounters. The Communication and Respectfulness Evaluation (CARE tool) continues to prove to be a reliable estimate of student skills in these areas. Finally, improved development procedures for post encounter questions allow the student to demonstrate clinical decision-making skills.
There are multiple opportunities to learn more about C3DO from representatives of colleges of osteopathic medicine at American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Educating Leaders 2025 and at the Association for Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) annual meeting, and a paper outlining the first pilots will soon be published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.
The C3DO Task force will be meeting in April to discuss standards and recommendations for future development and use of C3DO. All of the data gathered throughout the 2nd phase will be compiled for the NBOME Board of Directors’ review at their June meeting.