Constructing an Evaluation and Assessment System for Urology Specialists Based on Entrustable Professional Activities.

Abstract

This study aimed to establish a comprehensive evaluation and assessment system for urology specialists based on entrustable professional activities (EPAs). A research group was formed to develop a preliminary index system for the evaluation and assessment of urology specialists through an extensive literature review and group discussions. The Delphi method was employed to design a questionnaire, and two rounds of expert consultations were conducted to finalize the index system and design a corresponding assessment method. A total of 24 experts participated in the two rounds of consultations, with authority coefficients of 0.885 and 0.894, and agreement levels of 0.270 and 0.256, respectively, indicating a high level of expertise and strong consensus among the participants. Based on the expert feedback, 16 key indicators were identified: Recognizing and admitting urological patients, selecting and interpreting specialized tests, diagnosing and differentiating diseases, making therapeutic decisions, documenting medical information, delivering oral clinical case reports, identifying and managing primary care and speciality medical problems, managing critical illness, handling patient transfers and departmental handovers, communicating informed medical decisions, performing basic and specialized surgical operations, providing health guidance, responding to public health emergencies, and engaging in clinical teaching. All indicators scored above 3.5 in importance, with coefficients of variation below 0.25, signifying their appropriateness. The expected confidence levels for each indicator at various stages were determined, and a comprehensive assessment method encompassing "process evaluation, peer impression review, and endpoint assessment" was developed. This research successfully established an initial EPAs-based evaluation and assessment index system for urology specialists, defined the expected confidence levels for each indicator across different time points, and devised a specific assessment methodology, thereby providing a scientific foundation for the training and evaluation of urology specialists.