Mapping the Landscape: A Bibliometric and Narrative Review of Programmatic Assessment in Medical Education

Background: Programmatic assessment is an evaluative framework designed to support learner development through continuous, multi-source, and integrated data collection, enabling more informed and robust summative decision-making. In medical education, it offers a holistic approach to assessing competencies. However, implementation practices and outcomes vary across institutions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of this approach. Objective: This study aims to synthesize the current literature on programmatic assessment in medical education by conducting a combined review and bibliometric analysis. The focus is on its implementation, core components, challenges, and educational impacts. Methods: This review was conducted in a Scopus, database for studies published between 2005 and 2025. Articles were included if they discussed programmatic assessment in undergraduate or postgraduate medical education. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring concepts. Additionally, from 1781 articles, a bibliometric analysis of 256 publications from Scopus (2005–2025) was performed to examine publication trends, key contributors, institutions, and funding sources. Results: Of 1781 articles screened, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Key components of programmatic assessment included the use of multiple formative tools, structured feedback, mentorship, and panel-based summative decisions. Implementation challenges involved faculty resistance, administrative burdens, and limited facilitator training. Reported benefits included enhanced student engagement and positive learning perceptions. Bibliometric analysis indicated increasing research interest, peaking in 2022. Conclusions: Programmatic assessment holds considerable promise for enhancing assessment quality in medical education, though sustained institutional support and further research are essential.