Entrustable professional activities in minimally invasive surgery: starting the way to achieve competencies in the future medical graduate

Abstract

Aims: The development of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for undergraduates is a need in Colombia. The available evidence is limited. This study aims to describe the preliminary experience with an intervention oriented to this need, embedded in the framework of a competence-based education model (CBE).

Materials and Methods: An intervention was designed for the development of EPAs in MIS oriented to the development of attitudes, knowledge and practical skills in medical students. Intervention was delivered through an extended inverted classroom approach. Pre- and postintervention measures were performed by using the Team-STEPPS questionnaire (attitudes), knowledge assessments and OSATS (practical skills). Comparisons were performed by t-test tests (p < 0.05) and the effect size of the intervention was calculated by the Cohen d test. Finally, the student´s satisfaction was evaluated.

Results: A total of 99 students participated in the study. The intervention showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), and great effect on attitudes, knowledge and practical skills (d > 0.80). Likewise, high student satisfaction was evidenced.

Discussion: Interactive instructional design fosters development of EPAs in MIS for medical undergraduates. These results are similar to those reported in other interventions under the CBE model.

Conclusion: Our intervention showed positive effects on competences oriented to the development of EPAs in MIS for the future graduate. Still is necessary to assess these competencies in real practice and at the end of medical career, in order to evaluate if these activities can be totally reliable to the participants in their future professional practice.