EPAs and Competency-based Education explained

Competency-based medical education (CBME) is increasingly becoming the standard. Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are a proven tool for translating competencies into specific, everyday tasks in healthcare. The term was coined in the early 2000s by Prof. Olle ten Cate.

Competencies describe comprehensive abilities in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, but do not automatically indicate whether a trainee can apply them in practice. EPAs do not replace existing competency frameworks such as CanMEDS or ACGME, but link their requirements to clearly defined professional

EPAs are now used worldwide in medicine, nursing, and dentistry. Each EPA describes a professional task that can be “entrusted”, e.g., “Diagnosing and treating a patient with asthma.” It should be neither too detailed nor too general; 10–20 EPAs per specialty are ideal. Each EPA contains a description, the required competencies, and assessment methods.

Reference to workplace-based assessments (WBAs):

WBAs (workplace-based assessments) are short, structured feedback tools that relate directly to EPAs. Multiple WBAs document a learner's progress and make development visible.

A well-designed EPA portfolio provides an overview of a trainee's achievements, level of independence, and learning objectives. Digital portfolios facilitate the implementation and communication of this modern learning method.

Further recommended articles on the topic of EPAs: 

• The 5 biggest advantages of an EPA-based training program
• CBA and competency-based medical education explained
• Official information on EPAs from SIWF (Switzerland)