Exploring Tools to Manage Curricular Content and Overload Within the Professional PharmD Program

Given recent discussions in the literature and across the Academy about curricular overload and calls for tools that aid in reducing content, it is important to determine what tools and resources programs are using to evaluate curricular content and how these resources are used to inform curricular change. Thus, the objective of this research project is to describe tools and resources pharmacy programs use for curricular content and change.

A 17-item instrument was created, pilot-tested, and then distributed electronically to assessment leads at accredited pharmacy programs with multiple reminders to improve response rates. The instrument covered various tools for pharmacotherapy, foundational sciences, social and administrative sciences (SAS), and top 200/300 medications. Respondents provided information related to the study objectives, and data were analyzed descriptively.

With a 51% response rate, programs commonly used, and rated most helpful, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Pharmacotherapy Didactic Curriculum Toolkit to inform curricular prioritization. Programs indicated they did not have comparable resources commonly used for determining curricular content related to foundational sciences, SAS, and top 200/300 medications.

Established tools, such as the ACCP Pharmacotherapy Didactic Curriculum Toolkit, are helpful in selecting curricular topics, but additional guidance is needed to optimize its usefulness in managing curricular overload. Developing toolkits for foundational sciences, SAS, and top 200/300 medications is necessary to provide similar guidance for the Academy.