Initiative for Measurement, Assessment, and Standards (IMAS)

Bahrain Council for Health Studies and Specialties

1. Introduction

The Bahrain Council for Health Studies and Specialties (BCHSS) recognizes that measurement and assessment are fundamental to ensuring the quality of medical education and professional certification. With the rise of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), assessment must move beyond traditional exams toward systems that incorporate real-time feedback, structured remediation, and continuous progress tracking.

The Initiative for Measurement, Assessment, and Standards (IMAS) is proposed as a specialized body to redesign assessment across all scientific councils. Its focus is on embedding psychometrics, digital innovation, AI-powered analytics, and competency-based progress tracking into training and evaluation, while aligning outcomes with international benchmarks.

2. Mission

To lead the transformation of assessment in BCHSS by embedding robust measurement systems, leveraging digital technologies and AI, and incorporating structured feedback and remediation pathways to ensure accountability, fairness, and global competitiveness.

3. Strategic Goals

1.    Assessment-Centered Transformation: Place measurement and assessment at the heart of all council activities.

2.    Digital Integration: Deliver secure, scalable digital platforms for knowledge, clinical, and workplace-based assessments.

3.    AI-Powered Analytics: Use AI to strengthen psychometrics, automate blueprinting, and provide individualized performance insights.

4.    Feedback and Remediation: Establish structured systems that give candidates timely feedback and targeted remediation opportunities.

5.    Outcome-Based Training: Track trainee progress against defined milestones using digital dashboards.

6.    Global Standards & Recognition: Ensure alignment with WFME, NBME, GMC, and ACGME-I frameworks.

4. Core Functions

A. Measurement and Psychometrics

• Develop reliability, validity, and fairness models for exams.

• Use AI-driven psychometrics to provide continuous data analysis.

• Apply adaptive testing methods and longitudinal progress tracking.

B. Digital Transformation of Assessment

• Transition all major exams to secure digital platforms.

• Integrate digital OSCE scoring, examiner calibration, and real-time analytics.

• Build dashboards for candidates, councils, and leadership to monitor training and outcomes.

C. AI in Assessment

• Automate blueprinting, item categorization, and quality analysis.

• Generate personalized reports for candidates with AI-based feedback on strengths and weaknesses.

• Predict readiness for progression or certification using machine learning models.

D. Feedback, Remediation, and Progress Tracking

• Deliver immediate feedback after formative and summative exams.

• Establish structured remediation programs, offering targeted practice and mentoring to underperforming candidates.

• Use progress dashboards to monitor individual, council-wide, and system-wide performance.

• Provide program directors with real-time data on trainee development.

E. Standards and Accreditation

• Ensure that BCHSS practices meet global benchmarks.

• Position feedback and remediation as core quality standards, not optional features.

• Prepare councils for international accreditation with emphasis on digital, AI-enabled, and learner-centered assessment.

F. Capacity Building

• Train examiners and council members in feedback delivery, remediation strategies, and use of digital tools.

• Offer CPD programs in psychometrics, digital assessment leadership, and AI integration.

5. Governance

• Leadership: Director of Measurement & Assessment Transformation, reporting to the Secretary General.

• Committees:

  • Digital Assessment & AI Committee

  • Psychometrics & Progress Tracking Committee

  • Accreditation & Standards Committee

6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• % of assessments with digital feedback reports issued to candidates.

• Number of trainees completing structured remediation programs.

• Reliability and validity indices of all council exams.

• % of councils using progress tracking dashboards.

• Candidate performance improvements post-remediation.

• Accreditation milestones achieved.

7. Expected Outcomes

• Assessment transformed from a one-time judgment to a continuous learning cycle.

• Feedback → Remediation → Progress Tracking integrated into every stage of training.

• AI-enabled psychometrics and dashboards driving fairness, transparency, and quality.

• Increased confidence in BCHSS certifications among regional and international stakeholders.

• Recognition of BCHSS as a leader in digital and AI-powered assessment innovation.

8. Implementation Roadmap

• Phase 1 (0–6 months): Establish committees, design dashboards, and pilot feedback systems.

• Phase 2 (6–18 months): Roll out digital exams with structured remediation programs and progress tracking.

• Phase 3 (18–36 months): Expand AI-driven analytics, predictive modeling, and adaptive testing.

• Phase 4 (Beyond 3 years): Consolidate international partnerships and publish benchmarking reports on outcomes.

9. Conclusion

The Initiative for Measurement, Assessment, and Standards (IMAS) will redefine the role of assessment within BCHSS. By embedding feedback, remediation, and progress tracking into every level of training and certification, and leveraging the power of digital transformation and AI, BCHSS will ensure fairness, transparency, and continuous improvement. This initiative establishes BCHSS not only as a guardian of international standards but as a global innovator in medical education assessment.