Clinical competency committee perceptions of entrustable professional activities and their value in assessing fellows: A qualitative study of pediatric subspecialty program directors.

Creator(s)

Melissa L. Langhan
Diane E J Stafford
Angela Myers, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Bruce E. Herman
Megan L. Curran
Angela S. Czaja
David A. Turner
Pnina Weiss
Richard Mink

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2023

Identifier

DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2022.2147054

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the composition and processes of Clinical Competency Committees (CCCs) assigning entrustable professional activity (EPA) levels of supervision for pediatric subspecialty fellows and to examine fellowship program director (FPD) perspectives about using EPAs to determine fellows' graduation readiness.

METHODS: A qualitative study was performed using one-on-one interviews with a purposeful sample of pediatric subspecialty FPDs to yield a thematic analysis. Semi-structured interview guides were used for participants who self-identified as EPA users or non-users. Inductive analysis and coding were performed on transcripts until theoretical sufficiency was attained.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight FPDs were interviewed. There was significant variability in the composition and processes of CCCs across subspecialties. FPDs felt that CCCs intuitively understand what entrustment means, allowing for ease of application of level of supervision (LOS) scales and consensus. FPDs perceived that EPAs provided a global assessment of fellows and are one tool to determine graduation readiness.

CONCLUSIONS: Although there was variability in the makeup and processes of CCCs across subspecialties, FPDs believe EPAs are intuitive and relatively easy to implement. Consensus can be reached easily using EPA-specific LOS scales focusing on entrustment. FPDs desire a better understanding of how EPAs should be used for graduation.

Journal Title

Medical teacher

Volume

45

Issue

6

First Page

650

Last Page

657

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Child; Clinical Competence; Competency-Based Education; Qualitative Research; Fellowships and Scholarships; Internship and Residency

Keywords

Assessment; medicine – profession; postgraduate – phase of education

Recommended Citation

Langhan ML, Stafford DEJ, Myers AL, et al. Clinical competency committee perceptions of entrustable professional activities and their value in assessing fellows: A qualitative study of pediatric subspecialty program directors. Med Teach. 2023;45(6):650-657. doi:10.1080/0142159X.2022.2147054