The Development Status of Entrustable Professional Activities-Based Curricula in Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Postgraduate medical specialists´curricula often lack clearly defined and assessable outcomes. Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) emerge as a promising teaching concept aiming at competency-based training. This scoping review explores the current status of EPA-based curricula in orthopedic and neurosurgical spinal surgery and seeks to underscore the potential of EPAs in addressing the contemporary challenges in medical education and professional training in spinal surgery.Methods: A systematic review was executed employing two research methods: a literature review using the PubMed database with specified search terms related to EPAs in spinal surgery, and an examination of various professional societies' publications and direct inquiries regarding EPAs in spinal surgery.Results: The PubMed search yielded only two papers relevant to spinal surgery EPAs, with one identifying four EPAs in orthopedics and another presenting one explicit EPA in neurosurgery. Among the nine professional societies explored, only the AO Foundation, AO Spine, had defined EPAs for spinal surgery. The lack of substantial results underscores a noticeable gap in the research and application of EPAs within spinal surgery curricula.Conclusions: The sparse literature and limited engagement from professional societies reveal a substantial research gap in EPA-based curricula in spinal surgery, despite the promising potential of EPAs in enhancing medical education and professional training. This scoping review lays a foundation for future research, urging a collaborative effort among professional societies and educational stakeholders to develop and implement EPA-based curricula in spinal surgery, aiming at a more efficient, competency-centered professional training paradigm.