Abstract
Background: This research aimed to define entry- and advanced-level Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for occupational therapists (OTs) in acute and critical care. Defining EPAs across practice levels could help establish shared expectations, strengthen mentorship, and promote competency development.
Methodology: A qualitative design, implemented via an online survey, was used to gather insight from 14 acute care OTs with more than three years of experience and rehabilitation leaders recruited via social media and approved recruitment sites. Findings from this survey included both quantitative and qualitative data, analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic coding, respectively.
Results: Entry-level themes included foundational evaluation skills, effective communication, and core patient safety behaviors. Expectations for safety-related EPAs varied, with some viewed as appropriate for new graduates and others for more experienced clinicians. Advanced level expectations centered on leadership, mentorship, and managing complex critical care support systems. Participants also reported inconsistent mentorship structures and varied timelines for progression across practice levels.
Discussion: Although this study did not finalize an EPA set, findings highlight common themes that can guide future EPA development, underscore the need for consistent language, and emphasize mentorship as essential to support safe, progressive skill development in this setting.