[Entrustable professional activities-A paradigm shift in the surgical training from quantity to quality].

Abstract

Background: Since the 2020 revision of the medical training regulations surgical training in Germany has been based on the acquisition of knowledge (cognitive and methodological competence) as well as experience and skills (practical competence). As in previous training catalogues, minimum numbers are defined for essential operations; however, these operation catalogues do not reflect the actual surgical competence of residents.

Objective: This paper highlights the current challenges faced by prospective surgeons. It presents a perspective on a core competency-oriented surgical training model using entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and provides suggestions for the implementation and digitalization of surgical education based on EPAs.

Material and methods: Overview in the sense of a narrative review.

Results: The EPAs are clearly defined clinical tasks in the medical practice that can be entrusted to residents, observed and evaluated. The purpose of EPAs is the structured and continuous assessment of individual competencies in medical training. They are specific, embedded in the surgical routine and can support supervisors in implementing competency-based training. The EPAs serve to assess and promote surgical skills. Through digitalization tools such as smartphone applications, these evaluations can be integrated into daily clinical practice.

Discussion: In the future, surgical education should evolve towards competency-based learning. The use of EPAs enables a more practice-oriented training approach: moving away from the quantitative focus of procedure catalogues toward a qualitative improvement of surgical training.