Implementation and Assessment of a Novel APPE Intersession Course to Assess Near-Terminal Student Competence

Abstract

Objective. To provide a novel culminating experience that assesses student competence and achievement of five curricular outcomes during the P4 year. Methods. This two-week Intersession course provided faculty assessment of student competence after completing five of seven Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). Students completed written pre-work assignments generated from real-world experiences from APPEs. Faculty assessed and provided feedback to improve students' competency on curricular outcomes related to four course components: clinical case, drug information, clinical pearl and reflection. After incorporating faculty feedback, students verbally presented to faculty and peers for additional assessment during the in-class portion of the course. Results. There were 149 students who completed the course in 2016; 145 (97%) demonstrated achievement of ability-based outcomes. Using the Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model, level 1 data (reaction) indicated 93% of students and 100% of faculty believed the course was valuable. Level 2 data (learning) revealed that 80% of students and 85% of faculty agreed/strongly agreed learning occurred. Level 3 data (behavior) demonstrated increased student performance on assessments between pre-work and in-class components. Preliminary level 4 data (results) indicated this course complemented learning from previous courses and met the intended purpose. Conclusion: This novel Intersession course provided structured faculty assessment of student competence during the final experiential year and successfully provided a near-final evaluation of student competence of core curricular ability-based outcomes.