Accreditation of specialty residency programmes in Canada.

The accreditation process gives assurance to a number of individuals and groups about the quality of approved programmes. It is based on principles that have evolved over time. The process of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is based upon a set of nine explicitly stated standards, each amplified by a detailed interpretation. On-site surveys conducted at regular intervals by peers, with active involvement of the teachers and students being surveyed and using checks and balances with respect to information obtained and decisions made are major characteristics of the Canadian accreditation process.