Requesting additional EPAs

The VetGDP Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) have been set at a deliberately high level to encompass a wide range of species, settings and activities. However, if you feel that the current EPAs do not adequately cover your responsibilities, please continue reading.

Before you start

Please review the existing EPAs carefully before requesting a new one, as there is likely one that can be adapted to your needs. The subcommittee will not approve additional EPAs which overlap with those already in the bank. If you need guidance, please email [email protected].

Submitting a request

You can request a new EPA using the 'Create new EPA' form in your e-portfolio. The RCVS Education Department will review your request before forwarding it to the VetGDP subcommittee for approval. If approved, the new EPA will be added to your e-portfolio and made accessible to other users.

Examples of declined EPA requests

Request - apply evidence-based veterinary medicine to drive change in farming practices by tailoring language and communication techniques to individual farm staff. This will encompass personalised on-farm discussions alongside structured group training sessions.

Declined - this is covered by EPA 8, which addresses educating and building relationships with clients, assisting with productivity and communicating best practice.

Request - evaluate the nutritional status and rations sufficiency for the age and production stage of a herd or flock. Understand how nutrition affects the incidence and type of disease or subpar production within a group of animals.

Declined - activities related to developing treatment or management plans for a herd or flock are covered by EPA 3. In addition, animal welfare issues are covered by EPA 11.

Request - perform rectal examinations for both reproductive and diagnostic purposes. Demonstrate the ability to identify relevant structures through rectal palpation.

Declined - this is covered by EPA 1: perform an examination.

Request - determine whether a caesarean section is necessary for a sheep or a cow and communicate this information to the owner of the animal.

Declined - this is covered by EPA 6: perform a common surgical procedure on a patient, including pre-operative and post-operative management.

Request - perform a rectal ultrasound of a reproductive tract; medical management of non-seen bullers (NSB); cystic cows; endometritis fertility data (uniform, inter-herd, herd companion).

Declined - these activities are covered by:

EPA 1: perform an examination; and
EPA 2: interpret test results.

Request - demonstrate the ability to triage wildlife casualties and provide appropriate analgesia. Understand relevant legislation and recognise when euthanasia may be necessary to protect indigenous species. Identify situations requiring further knowledge, referral, or transport to facilities better equipped to care for wildlife.

Declined - wildlife cases should be treated the same as other animal casualties and are therefore covered by the existing EPAs.

Request - conduct a comprehensive equine orthopaedic examination, including a detailed history of the horse's athletic use and performance expectations. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate lameness statically and dynamically, perform diagnostic anaesthesia, and use appropriate imaging techniques. Explain the reasoning for selecting advanced imaging when appropriate. Formulate a differential diagnoses list and collaborate on a treatment plan, including surgery where appropriate. Exhibit broad knowledge of relevant anatomy, common orthopaedic conditions and the equine industry, focusing on conditions specific to the horse's athletic use. Communicate effectively with veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals such as physiotherapists and farriers to develop an ethical, animal welfare-focused rehabilitation plan.

Declined - the current EPAs are designed to be universally applicable, covering species including equine, farm animals, small pets and exotics. Additionally, communication is a core component of all EPAs.
The VetGDP subcommittee proposed the following EPAs to document this request:
EPA 1: gather a history, perform an examination and create a prioritised differential diagnosis list.
EPA 2: develop a diagnostic plan and interpret test results.
EPA 3: develop and implement a management/treatment plan.

Request - determine when offering or conducting euthanasia is an acceptable option, and continue the consult appropriately. Present a structured approach that clearly explains what euthanasia entails, and empathetically describe how the animal may react during the process. Additionally, compassionately discuss the client's wishes for their pet after euthanasia.

Declined - euthanasia is covered by EPA 3; this includes assessing whether euthanasia is the right course of action, and having a compassionate conversation with the animal's owner about the decision.

Request - perform a non-routine surgery such as cryptorchid castration, cystotomy, or exploratory laparotomy.

Declined - this is covered by EPA 6: perform a common surgical procedure on a patient, including pre-operative and post-operative management

Request - integrate the identification of appropriate diagnostic testing into clinical cases, gather informed consent and make the client aware of any changes. Consider any financial or personal constraints the client has when developing a relevant diagnostic plan. Identify case-specific tests that could provide useful information. Act within the vet's professional competence, seeking guidance when necessary. Perform tests in a safe manner for the team, patient, client and vet.

Declined - all examples involving diagnostic testing are covered by EPA 2: develop a diagnostic plan and interpret test results.

Request - communicate with the client during difficult situations. Work as part of a team.

Declined - communication and teamwork are expected to be included in most EPAs.

Request - complete a case study, explore a clinical conundrum, or get involved in a research project.

Declined - this is covered by EPA 5: formulate relevant questions and retrieve evidence to advance care.

Request - carry out routine fertility work on dairy farms, including: