Multi-Stakeholder Validation of an Entrustable Professional Activities Framework for Canadian Geriatrics Residency Programs

Abstract

Background

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) have become a cornerstone for an increasing number of competency-based medical education programs. Today, frameworks of EPAs are being used in most, if not all, medical specialties. These frameworks can break a discipline down to its constituting tasks, and structure the training and evaluation of residents. In 2018, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada created an EPA framework for Geriatric Specialty residency programs nationwide. The present study aims to evaluate this EPA framework through focus groups consisting of several stakeholder groups.

Methods

Participants were recruited to be part of one of five focus groups—one for each stakeholder group of interest. The five focus groups consisted of: physician faculty, residents, allied health professionals, administrators/managers, and patients. Each focus group met once virtually over ZOOM® for no longer than 90 minutes. Meeting transcripts were iteratively coded based on emerging themes, and were compared for similarities and gaps between stakeholder perspectives.

Results

Multi-stakeholder consultation yielded feedback on many specific EPAs, suggestions for new EPAs, and additional input which gave rise to four themes: (i) EPA scope, (ii) Operationalization, (iii) Interprofessional Collaboration, and (iv) Patient Advocacy. Lastly, we received their thoughts on how the framework defines Geriatrics relative to the work of Care of the Elderly physicians in Canada.

Conclusions

Consulting a variety of stakeholder groups generates a robust and diverse supply of feedback that holistically augments EPA frameworks to be more practical, appropriate, socially accountable and patient-centred.