Journal of graduate medical education
Using Implementation Science to Explore the Integration of Entrustable Professional Activities in Swiss Cardiology Residency Training: A Qualitative Study
By Schwitz F, Özoglu K, Mitchell S and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Implementing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) necessitates faculty development, assessment standardization, and feasibility within established curricula. However, guidance for stakeholders involved in the implementation of EPAs in residency training is still limited.
Objective
This study aims to support EPA implementation by exploring the experiences of lead implementers from different training sites. The research question is: Using an implementation science approach, what are the barriers and facilitators to the successful implementation of EPAs in residency training?
Methods
Adopting a theory-informed design, we conducted a qualitative interview study using frameworks from implementation science to inform the interview guide and data analysis following the framework method. In 2024, we interviewed one lead individual responsible for EPA implementation at each of the 5 cardiology pilot training sites in Switzerland, thus covering all sites in the national pilot project. We used the framework method to systematically analyze the data, combining deductive and inductive steps.