Development, implementation, and evaluation of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for medical radiation technologists in Taiwan: a nationwide experience

Abstract

Background Competency-based medical education (CBME) is an outcomes-oriented approach focused on developing competencies that translate into clinical practice. Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) bridge competency assessment and clinical performance by delineating essential day-to-day activities that can be entrusted to trainees. EPAs have been widely adopted internationally, but not yet implemented for medical radiation professionals in Taiwan. Materials and methods A nationwide consensus process engaged 97 experts in radiation technology education representing diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. Preliminary EPAs were developed through the focus group discussion and the modified Delphi method. The validity of these EPAs was evaluated using the QUEPA and EQual tools. Results Through iterative consensus building, six core EPAs with 18 component observable practice activities (OPAs) in total were developed, encompassing routines specific to each radiation technology specialty. QUEPA and EQual questionnaire data verified these EPAs were valid, and of high quality for clinical teaching and evaluation. Conclusion The consensus development of tailored EPAs enables rigorous competency assessment during medical radiation technology education in Taiwan. Further expansion of EPAs and training of clinical staff could potentially enhance care quality by producing competent professionals.

Developing an entrustable professional activity for providing health education and consultation in occupational therapy and examining its validity

“…EPAs have been well developed in many medical professions, such as medicine of various specialties [ 12 – 18 ], dentistry [ 19 ], nursing [ 20 ], pharmacy [ 21 , 22 ], radiology [ 23 – 25 ], physical therapy [ 26 ], and occupational therapy [ 27 , 28 ]. While EPAs tailored to occupational therapy have been established in Singapore, they primarily focus on undergraduate education during the earlier years of study, emphasizing fundamental professional activities crucial for early-stage clinical education.…”