Evaluating the Quality of the Core Entrustable Professional Activities for New Pharmacy Graduates

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs) for New Pharmacy Graduates according to standards outlined in competency-based education literature utilizing the Queen’s EPA Quality (EQual) rubric. A cohort of pharmacists with EPA expertise rated Core EPA quality with the EQual rubric and provided recommendations for revisions. A generalizability study determined the reliability of the EQual ratings with pharmacist users. Nine pharmacists responded (4.4%). Most EPAs (9/15) did not reach the overall cut-off score, indicating low quality. EPAs 1 through 5 and EPA 14 (fulfill a medication order) were deemed high quality. EPA 12 (use evidence-based information to advance patient care) scored the lowest at 3.47 (SEM 0.29). EPA 14 scored the highest at 4.60 (SEM 0.14). EPA 15 (create a written plan for continuous professional development) was the only EPA to fail to reach the cut-off across all EQual domains. EPAs in the Patient Care Provider Domain received significantly higher ratings than other EPAs. On average, three respondents recommended revision for each. Most comments aligned with the EPA’s EQual rubric performance. The generalizability study analysis revealed excellent reliability (G = 0.80). Determining EPA quality utilizing objective measurement tools should drive EPA development and revisions to more accurately reflect the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of pharmacists on the healthcare team.