Characterization of Use of the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment Across Accredited Colleges of Pharmacy

• Published in: American journal of pharmaceutical education Vol. 83; no. 7; pp. 7091 - 1636
• Main Authors: Sweet, Burgunda V., Assemi, Mitra, Boyce, Eric G., DiVall, Margarita V., Garavalia, Linda S., Gortney, Justine, McCollum, Marianne, Roberts, Rochelle M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2019; American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy; Elsevier Limited; American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Academic Standards; Accreditation; Accreditation (Institutions); Administrator Surveys; Benchmarking; Colleges & universities; Councils; Curricula; Curriculum; curriculum assessment; Deans; Demographics; Education; Educational assessment; Feedback (Response); Learning; Literature Reviews; National Surveys; PCOA; Pharmaceutical Education; Pharmaceutical sciences; Pharmacy; Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment; Retirement benefits; Schools; standardized testing; Standardized Tests; State Surveys; Student Evaluation; Students; Surveys; Task forces; Teaching Methods; Test Preparation; Universities and colleges; PCOA; Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment; standardized testing; benchmarking; curriculum assessment
• ISSN: 0002-9459; 1553-6467
• DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7091

Objective. To characterize use of the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) in terms of timing, manner of delivery, and application of the results by accredited colleges of pharmacy. Methods. Accredited pharmacy programs were surveyed regarding PCOA administration, perceived benefits, and practical application of score reports. Survey items were comprised of new items developed from a literature review and items from prior studies. The survey addressed five domains: program demographics, administration, student preparation, use of results, and recommendations to improve the utility of the PCOA. Results. Responses were received from 126 of 139 (91%) surveyed programs. The majority of respondent programs administered PCOA in one session on a single campus. Most indicated PCOA results had limited use for individual student assessment. Almost half reported that results were or could be useful in curriculum review and benchmarking. Considerable variability existed in the preparation and incentives for PCOA performance. Differences in some results were found based on prior PCOA experience and between new vs older programs. Open-ended responses provided suggestions to enhance the application and utility of PCOA. Conclusion. The intended uses of PCOA results, such as for student assessment, curricular review, and programmatic benchmarking, are not being implemented across the academy. Streamlining examination logistics, providing additional examination-related data, and clarifying the purpose of the examination to faculty members and students may increase the utility of PCOA results.