Student Acceptance of Digital Entrustable Professional Activities: Protocol for a Cohort Study.

Abstract

Background: Integrating digital entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and simulations in medical education represents a substantial shift toward competency-based learning. This approach focuses on developing specific skills through manageable units and enhancing proficiency in high-stakes environments. The technology acceptance model provides a framework to evaluate the adoption of these educational technologies, emphasizing the roles of perceived usefulness and ease of use.

Objective: This cohort study aims to investigate the acceptance of digital EPAs among medical students within simulated training environments. It seeks to understand how perceived usefulness and ease of use influence this acceptance, guided by the principles of the technology acceptance model.

Methods: The cohort study will involve medical students in the clinical phase of their education at Ludwig Maximilians University Munich. The survey, distributed through the Module-6 distributor, will capture their perceptions of digital EPAs. The data will be analyzed using regression analysis.

Results: Data collection is anticipated to be complete by April 2025, with analysis concluded by May 2025. The results will provide insights into students' attitudes toward digital EPAs and their willingness to integrate these tools into their learning.

Conclusions: This study will contribute to the understanding of digital EPAs' role in medical education, potentially guiding future design and implementation of these tools. While highlighting the importance of perceived usefulness and ease of use, the study also acknowledges limitations in sample size and recruitment methodology, indicating the need for further research with more diverse and larger groups. This research is poised to shape future medical training programs, aligning with the evolving landscape of medical education.

International registered report identifier (irrid): PRR1-10.2196/59326.