Electroconvulsive therapy training: can it be a model of an entrustable professional activity in a competency...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry
• Competency-Based Training

Background:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) requires specialized training and assessment.
• Competency-based training models, such as Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), are being introduced.
• Evaluating existing training programs against these new models is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) training and assessment process in the Hunter Region.
• To determine if this ECT training serves as a model for competency assessment.
• To compare the Hunter Region's ECT training with general competency-based training and EPA requirements.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive overview of the training and credentialing process for ECT in the Hunter Region.
• Comparative analysis against the requirements of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs).
• Assessment of the program's alignment with competency-based training principles.

Main Results:

• The Hunter Region's ECT training program involves intense, hands-on supervision and assessment.
• Graduates are entrusted to perform ECT and related tasks independently upon successful completion.
• The program's structure effectively mirrors the principles of competency-based assessment.

Conclusions:

• The supervised 'hands-on' training and assessment in ECT are effective.
• Successful graduates demonstrate readiness for independent practice, fulfilling EPA criteria.
• This model can serve as a successful example for competency assessment and training in ECT.