Developing Entrustable Professional Activities for Chemical Pathology registrars in South Africa

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education
• Laboratory Medicine Training

Background:

• The College of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) is developing Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for workplace-based training.
• Limited guidance exists for developing EPAs specifically within Chemical Pathology.
• Registrar training in South Africa faces unique contextual variables impacting EPA development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing EPA development in Chemical Pathology for South African registrars.
• To provide guidance for enhancing fitness for workplace-based assessment through EPA design.
• To address the need for effective training strategies in a specialized medical field.

Main Methods:

• Drawing upon health education theory and evidence.
• Analyzing relevant contextual variables in South African registrar training.
• Identifying and discussing key factors for EPA elaboration.

Main Results:

• Four critical factors for EPA development were identified: constructive alignment, standardized templates, validation of draft EPAs, and standardized learning opportunities.
• Constructive alignment is crucial for linking syllabus, competencies, training methods, and assessment.
• A standardized template aids in structuring EPAs for laboratory medicine.

Conclusions:

• Effective EPA development in Chemical Pathology necessitates integrating educational principles with practical training needs.
• Validation and standardized learning opportunities are essential for a successful national EPA program.
• This framework supports improved curriculum alignment and equitable training for registrars.