Accomplishing CAPE Domain 3 During APPE Rotations: Student Perceptions

The purpose of this study is to examine student perceptions of accomplishment among 6 subdomains of Center for Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Domain 3 "Approach to Practice and Care" outcomes in Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) across distinct geographical regions.

An 18-item electronic survey was distributed to 88 student pharmacists at a private university completing APPEs in 5 distinct regions and 2 concentrated learning experiences during their penultimate rotation. The survey assessed whether students had at least 1 opportunity to achieve Domain 3 outcomes. Students were prompted to report a percentage of perceived successful accomplishment of outcomes if they stated they had at least 1 opportunity for achievement.

Survey response rate was 52% (n = 46). Respondents reported a median accomplishment of at least 85% for each question. For 2 questions, respondents reported a median accomplishment of 99%. Students perceived successful accomplishment for most of the questions related to communication outcomes, while the lowest completion percentages were noted in outcomes related to patient advocacy (85%) and problem solving (88%). Student perceptions of accomplishment among the 6 subdomains were similar across regions and concentrated learning experiences.

Students felt confident in accomplishing the outcomes associated with CAPE Domain 3. Regional assignments did not impact student perceptions of outcome accomplishment. Preceptors may play a pivotal role in providing students with opportunities to further polish their skills and increase confidence, specifically in the areas of patient advocacy and problem solving.