Improving the Effectiveness of Workplace-based Assessment for Pharmacy Interns, An Evaluation Study

Growing interest in competency-based education has driven the need for reliable workplace-based assessment (WBA) tools to evaluate pharmacy graduate competency. Entrustable professional activities (EPAs), case-based discussion, and structured in-training assessment activities were introduced as part of an initial WBA "toolkit" for intern pharmacist training in Australia. The study aimed to explore perspectives on the impact of WBA tools-comprising EPAs, case-based discussion, and in-training assessment activities-on intern learning, feedback provision, intern-preceptor relationships, and workload.

Data were collected using 3 complementary approaches: (1) an anonymous cross-sectional survey of interns, pharmacist preceptors, and intern training program providers; (2) focus groups with pharmacy interns and/or pharmacist preceptors; and (3) structured interviews with pharmacists coordinating intern training. Qualitative data from focus groups and interviews were analyzed thematically, while survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

A total of 29 participants (interns: n = 13, pharmacists, n = 16) engaged across 9 focus groups. Ten pharmacists, equally distributed between community and hospital settings, were interviewed. A total of 510 individuals participated in the survey. Participants reported high satisfaction with the tools, highlighting 6 key themes: workplace learning, feedback, performance assessment, consistency in expectations, integration of reflective practices, and workload management. While these tools were well received and effectively used, managing the associated workload emerged as a challenge for interns and preceptors.

The integration of WBA tools into pharmacy intern training enhanced feedback quality and supported workplace learning and performance assessment. Although these tools increase workload for learners and supervisors, their benefits and overall value outweighed the challenges.