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The Fate of Entrustable Professional Activities After Graduation: A Survey Study Among Graduated Physician Assistants
Timo de Raad1, Fraukje Wiersma, Luppo Kuilman
1Mr. de Raad : Physician Assistant and Educator, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.Dr. Wiersma : Staff Member of the MSc Physician Assistant Program at the University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Dr. Kuilman : Program Manager of the MSc Physician Assistant Program at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health and Human Service, Northern Arizona University, Phoenix BMC, AZ. Dr. ten Cate : Professor of Medical Education and Senior Scientist, Utrecht Center for Research and Development of Health Professions Education, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Introduction:
Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are used during training but may also have significance after graduation. This domain has not yet been much explored. We investigated the use of EPAs among alumni of Master Physician Assistant programs in the Netherlands, where EPAs have been used since 2010. We aim to describe if and how EPAs have a role after graduation. Are EPAs used for continuous entrustment decisions or when shifting work settings?
Methods:
In September 2020, all registered Dutch physician assistants (PAs) ( n = 1441) were invited to participate in a voluntary, anonymous survey focusing on the use of EPAs after graduation. Survey items included questions regarding the use and usefulness of EPAs, views on continuous entrustment decisions, and how PAs document their competence.
Results:
A total of 421 PAs (response rate 29%) yielded information about the significance of EPAs after training. Among the respondents, 60% ( n = 252) reported adding new competencies and skills after graduation. One-third ( n = 120) of the respondents were trained in EPA-based programs. Almost all EPA-trained PAs (96%; n = 103) considered the EPA structure suitable to maintain and renew entrustment. Furthermore, PAs reported continued use of the EPA framework to seek formal qualifications through entrustment decisions.
Conclusion:
This study shows that EPAs can play an ongoing role for PAs after graduation. EPA-trained PAs overwhelmingly support the continuous use of the EPA framework for entrustment decisions from graduation until retirement.
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