design and implementation of an item bank framework: a developmental study in national medical science assessments

Background :the increasing demand for standardized national medical exams necessitates the adoption of systematic, computerized question designs. existing item banks often fail to meet the evolving needs of medical sciences, particularly in iran, due to limited resources and the need for rapid updates, highlighting the need for a tailored framework. objectives :the present study aimed to design and implement an effective framework for item bank integration into national medical assessments. methods :this developmental study utilized document analysis to identify key criteria for item bank creation. based on these findings, a comprehensive framework was developed and integrated into the national medical examination system in collaboration with the national medical education assessment center (nmeac). iterative reviews and adjustments improved item quality, accuracy, and alignment with assessment standards. results :the process involved designing test blueprints, managing exams, and improving item quality. the framework registered 900 professors and processed over 8,000 questions, with 6,000 reviewed for exam booklets. the system included feedback mechanisms and 24/7 support for question designers, with training conducted at the smart university of medical sciences of iran. conclusions :item banks improve the quality and reliability of medical exams by ensuring secure systems and expert reviews. the distinction between item banks and pools ensures standardized test development and accurate measurement. challenges such as persian language compatibility and scalability remain, but the framework demonstrates potential for adaptation in other fields. its principles may be applied to other disciplines with appropriate contextual adjustments. this study received no external funding or support. its applicability beyond medical education may be limited without contextual adaptation.