A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Entrustable professional activities in Finnish radiology training: a national survey
Authors: Hirvonen, Jussi; Marjasuo, Suvi; Huhtaniska, Sanna; Tiihonen, Mervi; Holstila, Milja
Publisher: Springer Nature
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Insights into imaging
Journal name in source: Insights into Imaging
Article number: 118
Volume: 16
ISSN: 1869-4101
eISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-025-01992-w
Web address : https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13244-025-01992-w
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/499139898
Objectives
This study assessed the practical implementation, experiences, and attitudes toward entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in radiology training across Finland.
Methods
A nationwide, anonymous online survey targeted radiology residents, recently graduated specialists (within 3 years), and instructor specialists. Distributed to all Finnish hospitals involved in radiology training, the survey evaluated EPA completion rates, perceived value, and future development needs. Responses were analyzed to identify trends and differences across groups.
Results
Of 150 respondents (42% residents, 43% instructors, and 14% recent graduates), 65% were from university hospitals. Among residents and recent graduates, 37% had completed EPA assessments, with 87% valuing the feedback received and 73% finding EPAs effective for competency assessment. Overall, 64% considered EPAs well-suited to radiology. Residents showed higher completion rates (43%) than recent graduates (19%), with fourth- and fifth-year residents more engaged (69% vs. 15%). Instructors, while supportive (67% viewed EPAs as meaningful), emphasized a need for more training (54% vs. 49% of residents).
Conclusion
Most Finnish radiology respondents considered EPAs well-suited for training. Residents and recent graduates who completed EPAs greatly valued the feedback and found them effective for assessing competencies, with residents participating more actively than recent graduates. Instructors’ desire for better guidance suggests a priority for enhanced support and education. These findings endorse EPA integration and inform refinements in national and European radiology curricula.
Critical relevance statement
Finnish radiologists and residents strongly support EPAs in radiology training, valuing their feedback and competency assessment, though instructors seek enhanced guidance.
Key Points
Finnish radiology residents and specialists reported positive experiences and strong support for entrustable professional activity (EPAs).
Finland’s mandatory, nationally coordinated EPA framework contrasts with subspecialty-focused models elsewhere.
Instructors seek more EPA training, signaling a need for enhanced education to sustain their engagement as adoption grows.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
The authors state that this work has not received any funding.