Entrustable professional activities framework for assessment of patient handoffs in dentistry

• Published in: Journal of dental education Vol. 86; no. 1; pp. 88 - 97
• Main Authors: Ramaswamy, Vidya, Munz, Stephanie M., Nalliah, Romesh, Fitzgerald, Mark, Dragan, Irina F., Karimbux, Nadeem, Shin, Katherine, Danciu, Theodora E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-2022
• Subjects: assessment rubric; Clinical Competence; Competency-Based Education; Curriculum; Dentistry; entrustable professional activities; EPAs; handoff; Humans; Internship and Residency; mnemonic; Patient Handoff; transition of care; mnemonic; entrustable professional activities; handoff; EPAs; assessment rubric; transition of care
• ISSN: 0022-0337; 1930-7837
• DOI: 10.1002/jdd.12787

Purpose/Objectives
The aim of this study is to report data on the lack of a proper patient handoff system in dentistry and dental education and to present a possible solution to integrate this into curriculum using the “entrustable professional activities” (EPAs) framework.
Methods
Delphi participants from seven US dental schools provided feedback on a preliminary definition of handoff, a mnemonic and an assessment rubric. 2019 American Dental Education Association Commission on Change and Innovation in Dental Education (ADEA CCI) participants further evaluated the handoff EPA using the EQual rubric for EPA quality and structure.
Results
Delphi participants identified points of transition in dentistry, selected the D‐PASS as a mnemonic, and agreed with the evaluation rubric. The ADEA CCI participants agreed the handoff EPA describes work that is essential for the profession and suitable for entrustment.
Conclusion
The D‐PASS rubric is an effective way to assess patient handoffs.