Entrustable Professional Activities for Newly Graduated Physician Associates: Validation Through a Modified Delphi...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Associate Studies
• Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME)

Background:

• Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) define observable tasks for medical trainees.
• Existing EPA frameworks exist for physicians, but not specifically for physician associates (PAs).
• A validated EPA framework is needed for newly graduated PAs to ensure readiness-to-practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a profession-specific EPA framework for physician associate (PA) graduates.
• To align EPAs with national PA competencies and accreditation standards.
• To establish a structured approach for assessing PA graduate readiness.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi study involving 35 experts in PA education and practice.
• Development of 21 initial EPAs based on existing frameworks and 2020 PA Competencies.
• Iterative survey rounds using Qualtrics, retaining EPAs with ≥75% expert consensus and refining language based on qualitative feedback.

Main Results:

• Twelve EPAs achieved expert consensus, all reaching "Strongly Agree" levels.
• The 12 EPAs were organized into 5 domains: Core Clinical Skills, Critical Thinking/Reflective Practice, Interconnected Clinical Skills, Proactive Patient Care, and Communication/Cultural Awareness.
• Participants in the study represented diverse roles, specialties, and geographic regions.

Conclusions:

• A validated, profession-specific EPA framework for PA graduates has been established.
• The 12 EPAs support Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), accreditation standards, and national PA competencies.
• This framework can guide readiness-to-practice assessments, curriculum development, and faculty training for PAs.