ABOS Boards Part 2: How to Prepare for Test Day-ABOS Boards Part 2: How to Prepare for Test Day (3)

ABOS Boards Part 2: How to Prepare for Test Day (3)

Pdf Summary

This document, prepared by Dr. Ryan P. Roach, focuses on best practices and scoring criteria for ABOS Part 2 clinical documentation, particularly emphasizing orthopedic surgery. Key evaluated areas include data gathering, diagnostic and interpretive skills, treatment planning, surgical indications, technical skill, management of surgical complications, outcomes, ethics, professionalism, and applied knowledge.<br /><br />Successful documentation is critical and must be thorough, accurate, and ethically sound. Important recommendations include performing only surgeries within one’s skill level, meticulous documentation with appropriate imaging (preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative), and maintaining clear follow-up records, especially noting attempts to contact patients lost to follow-up. Summary statements and adherence to consent protocols are essential, with emphasis on customizing consents to specific cases, complications, and ensuring proper signatures.<br /><br />Clinic notes must control the narrative by detailing the clinical decision-making process, clearly explaining indications such as failed nonoperative management, discussing all treatment and graft options, and capturing shared decision-making dialogues. Documentation of complications must include what occurred, how the disclosure was handled, and the management plan, sometimes involving senior partners.<br /><br />Imaging should be of high quality, systematically stored, and accurately described with measurements. Intraoperative images like scope views and fluoroscopy must be promptly uploaded to electronic medical records and backed up securely.<br /><br />Consent processes should ideally be conducted or co-signed by the primary surgeon, avoid generic or all-encompassing language, and reflect case specifics. Practitioners are advised to study the rubric closely and develop workflows that facilitate consistent, high-quality documentation, such as using smart phrases, templates, and standardized forms.<br /><br />Overall, strict adherence to documentation standards combined with ethical practices, clear communication, and quality control safeguards not only supports successful ABOS Part 2 evaluation but also enhances patient care and professional integrity.

Keywords

ABOS Part 2

clinical documentation

orthopedic surgery

surgical indications

technical skill

treatment planning

complication management

informed consent

imaging documentation

professionalism