• Fouzia Gul, Usman Mahboob, Gohar Wajid, and Akhtar Sherin.
• Fouzia Gul, MBBS, FCPS, MCPS; MHPE. Professor, Department of Gynae/Obs & HOD Department of Medical Education, Khyber Medical University, KMU Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat, Pakistan.
• Pak J Med Sci. 2022 Sep 1; 38 (7): 1788-1795.

ObjectivesTo explore the challenges faced by medical colleges and coping strategies used in implementing accreditation standards by Pakistan Medical Commission during accreditation inspection 2019.MethodsIn this qualitative case study, four medical colleges and their affiliated hospitals from three cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGD) through Open-ended questions, based on CIPP (context, input, process, and product) model. Each focus group comprised of Dean, the Director Department of Medical Education (DME) and the Medical Director of the hospital. Data were thematically analyzed and results were based on the CIPP model.ResultsThree themes identified were administrative challenges, accreditation challenges and resource challenges. The administrative challenges theme was further explained under subthemes of rules and regulation challenges, documentation and record challenges, and DME-related challenges. The accreditation-related challenges theme was explored in-depth with subthemes of accreditation process-related challenges, accreditation standards-related challenges and curriculum-related challenges. The resource challenges theme was described under sub-themes of infrastructure-related challenges, human resources and financial challenges. The commonest coping strategies adopted by medical colleges were establishing DME, emergency preparatory meetings of staff, and hiring staff on an emergency basis, to overcome administrative, accreditation and resource challenges respectively. Future suggestions for improving the accreditation process in the local context were highlighted.ConclusionMain challenges identified were administrative challenges, accreditation challenges and resource challenges. Coping strategies by the medical colleges for these challenges are highlighted. The accreditation body should harmonize the process of accreditation with medical colleges and other stakeholders.Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.

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