Developing Entrustable Professional Activities for Chemical Pathology registrars in South Africa

Abstract

The College of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) has embarked on developing Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for workplace-based training. There is currently limited guidance for developing EPAs in Chemical Pathology. This report explores factors that impact EPA development in Chemical Pathology, derived from health education theory and evidence, as well as relevant contextual variables impacting registrar training in South Africa. We discuss four factors to consider during the elaboration of EPAs for South African registrars in Chemical Pathology to enhance fitness for workplace-based assessment. Firstly, EPAs require the application of constructive alignment to link the national syllabus, core competencies and milestones, training methods, and formative assessment strategies during the trainee learning trajectory. Secondly, the elaboration of a complete EPA is assisted by utilising a standardised template with defined sectional headings and contents structured for laboratory medicine. Thirdly, quality assurance of draft EPAs requires validation to improve curriculum alignment, and facilitate EPA revision. Finally, a critical emergent issue for Chemical Pathology workplace-based training is the development of standardised learning opportunities for operationalising a national EPA programme.

Contribution: Charting the early steps in developing EPAs for training Chemical Pathology registrars in South Africa identifies the application of the educational tenet of constructive alignment, utilising a standardised template for EPA design, validating draft EPAs and creating equitable learning opportunities for all trainees.