AAVMC Working Group on Competency-Based Veterinary Education, Molgaard LK, Hodgson JL, Bok HGJ, Chaney KP, Ilkiw JE, Matthew SM, May SA, Read EK, Rush BR, Salisbury SK. Competency-Based Veterinary Education: Part 2 – Entrustable Professional Activities. 2018 Washington, DC: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges


Abstract

Background: The AAVMC Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) Working Group is developing a number of documents to assist in the dissemination of their work. In a companion document entitled “CBVE Framework”, the nine domains of competence are defined along with a list of competencies for each domain. Domains are broad distinguishable areas of competence that constitute a general, yet descriptive, framework for entry-level veterinary practice. The competencies associated with each domain are observable abilities that integrate knowledge, skills, values, and attributes. 

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)
The practice of veterinary medicine requires more than the ability to demonstrate independent competencies. It necessitates simultaneous integration of multiple competencies to allow veterinary professionals to perform day-to-day activities in the workplace. For an early stage professional, developing their capability, units of activity can be defined as Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). EPAs provide the groundwork for the future development of assessment tools (including milestones) and a structure to provide feedback to guide learners as they work towards independent practice. In this way, they provide the link between competencies
and the professional workplace.  

In this document, the AAVMC CBVE Working Group has identified eight core EPAs for veterinary education and outlined the relationship between each EPA and its associated domains and competencies. Colleges and schools may wish to create additional EPAs for their unique contexts. The AAVMC CBVE website provides additional resources on the CBVE framework and EPAs. Future work products, including milestones and assessment tools, will be added as they become available. Please see: aavmc.org/cbve