Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) underpin workplace-based assessment in this curriculum. Each EPA represents an integrated clinical task that General Practitioners must perform safely and independently, assessed through direct or indirect observation in real clinical settings.
The curriculum and EPA framework are closely aligned: the curriculum defines the required knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours, while EPAs assess their application in practice. Together, they create a coherent approach to developing and demonstrating readiness for independent clinical work.
The examples show how specific activities within general practice & chapters of the curriculum align with particular EPAs.
EPA 9: Manage the care of adults, including older people with acute presentations
A patient presenting with acute lower back pain and bilateral leg weakness provides an opportunity to demonstrate EPA 9. If the GP Trainer observes the consultation and examination, including assessment for red flags such as cauda equina syndrome, a PIP-C and PIP-P can be used to provide feedback on focused musculoskeletal and neurological assessment, safe triage, and urgent referral. A succinct case entry could be: “assessment of acute back pain with red flag symptoms.” Reflection should explore differential diagnosis, clear explanation of urgency and referral rationale, and empathetic communication to reduce anxiety.
Core Knowledge Test (CKT)
Clinical Competency Test (CCT)
- A patient presenting with knee pain.
- A patient presenting with shoulder pain.
- A patient with a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Disclaimer: The examples provided within this section are intended to be indicative only and are included to illustrate how elements of the curriculum may be assessed in the Clinical Competency Test (CCT).
Examination questions in the CCT test the ability of candidates to integrate knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours across multiple curriculum areas to address the challenges posed by the question.
The indicative content should therefore be used solely as a general guide as to some of the topics that may be introduced. Actual examination questions will assess a greater depth and complexity of understanding than the illustrative examples provided.
Please note that a number of CCT questions will require candidates to undertake a physical examination of the simulated patient. In some circumstances, for example in the case of an intimate examination, candidates may be required to display their examination skills through use of a manikin or other device.