Table 1 Five Stage approach for developing specialty-specific EPAs using qualitative research methods

1. Select the EPA topic based on tasks that cover essential work in a specific environment. Ensure that they are observable and measurable, and include knowledge, skills and attitudes that reflect one or more competencies

2. Develop the EPA content by collecting qualitative focus group and/or? individual interview data from participants

3. Draft the EPAs based on thematic analysis of collected data to populate domains in accepted EPA formats

4. Seek feedback on the draft EPAs from participants and other stakeholders as a form of member checking

5. Refine and finalise the EPAs based on feedback