On August 24, 2025, a prestigious international symposium will take place in Barcelona, where leading experts in Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) will analyze the major challenges associated with implementing EPA-based curricula. Our CBME specialist, Adi Marty, will join Olle ten Cate and other international experts to discuss concrete solution strategies for the implementation of EPAs and workplace-based assessments (WBAs).
Our practical experiences
Based on his extensive practical experience, here are our challenges and solution approaches, which Adi Marty will bring into the discussion:
| Challenges |
Solution approaches |
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Insufficient and unclear communication regarding EPAs
The EPA concept is not clear enough for many people. When different people say different things about EPAs, everyone understands something different.
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Show early and consistently how it works
Erkläre allen Beteiligten von Anfang an, wie die tägliche Arbeit mit EPAs aussehen wird. Sorge dafür, dass alle die gleichen Informationen haben. Explain to all involved parties from the beginning how daily work with EPAs will look. Ensure everyone has the same information.
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"No time" as an excuse
Many say they have no time for documenting workplace-based assessments. Most do not understand the benefits EPAs bring.
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Reduce barriers
Provide support tools and use simple tools to minimize paperwork.
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Poor EPA quality
Developing EPAs is a lot of work. If the team is not motivated or makes mistakes, EPAs become unusable in practice.
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Involve experts
Get help from EPA specialists and use proven templates.
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No safe learning environment
At many workplaces, learners are afraid to make mistakes or ask questions.
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Create a learning environment
Everyone should be able to learn from each other—both teachers and learners (psychological safety).
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Assessments are forgotten
Even with apps, many do not regularly document workplace-based assessments (AbAs).
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Remind about assessments
Use badges, stickers, or app notifications so workplace-based assessments are not forgotten.
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Valuable international exchange
The symposium promises an intensive exchange between experts from different countries and healthcare systems. The discussions will provide valuable insights into proven practices and innovative approaches to EPA implementation.
After the symposium, we will share the international findings with you and show how these insights will be incorporated into the further development of our preparedEPA platform.
Would you like to learn more about the practical implementation of EPAs? Follow our blog for further insights after the symposium.
