Exploring the Feasibility of Implementing Entrustable Professional Activities in Workplace-based Training: Insights...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy education
• Professional development
• Workplace learning

Background:

• Pharmacy entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are gaining traction for competency-based education.
• Adapting EPAs for practical, workplace-based pharmacy training presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of integrating 15 entry-level pharmacy EPAs into workplace-based training programs.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to the successful implementation of EPAs in pharmacy practice settings.

Main Methods:

• Focus group interviews were conducted with pharmacy faculty, educators, and practitioners.
• The validated Quality of Entrustable Professional Activities (QUEPA) rubric guided interview questions.
• Participants discussed the practicality of 15 EPAs for entry-level pharmacy practice.

Main Results:

• Four themes emerged: task clarity, implementation limitations, environmental facilitators, and supervisor influence.
• Participants emphasized the need for regulatory clarity, supervisor training, and adaptable EPAs.
• Supervisor judgment significantly impacts entrustment decisions.

Conclusions:

• The QUEPA rubric offered a structured method for evaluating EPA integration.
• EPAs show promise for pharmacy curriculum enhancement and scope of practice expansion.
• Addressing supervisor influence and fostering collaboration are crucial for effective EPA utilization.