Facilitating Integration of Interprofessional Education-related Entrustable Professional Activities into the Medical Curriculum

Abstract

In competency-based education, entrustable professional activities (EPAs) play a defining role in developing the competence of students by providing contextual relevance. EPAs aid in the assessment of both cognitive and noncognitive (namely teamwork, leadership, communication skills, professionalism, etc.) attributes of the student. In fact, the inclusion of EPAs targeting interprofessional education (IPE) in the curriculum strengthens collaborative learning. The process of integration of EPAs related to IPE in the medical curriculum requires systematic planning and implementation to encourage collaborative learning and prepare students for medical practice. Assessment of IPE-related competencies using EPAs can be carried out with the help of different methods. In conclusion, EPAs can significantly strengthen the delivery of IPE by promoting collaboration and teamwork. There is an immense need to integrate IPE-related EPAs into the medical curriculum to improve the quality of care and patient-related outcomes.