Strategies for Effectuating Learner Readiness for COEPA through Enhanced Integration of Foundational and Clinical...

This article aims to provide a framework for seamlessly integrating Curricular Outcomes and Entrustable Professional Activities' (COEPA's) Domain 1 (knowledge) within the pharmacy curriculum.

Since the 1990s, pharmacy education in the United States has transitioned from a primarily didactic and research-focused model to one centered on patient care and clinical decision-making. This evolution, driven by shifts in health care practice, public expectations, professional standards, and accreditation requirements, demands that entry-level pharmacy graduates integrate foundational and clinical sciences alongside essential soft skills. Despite clear curricular expectations outlined in Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards and Co-operative Academy of Professional Education Outcomes, many pharmacy students struggle to retain, recall, and apply foundational science knowledge in clinical contexts.

This article explores the barriers to such integration and reviews effective strategies for embedding Domain 1 (foundational sciences) into PharmD curricula. Approaches discussed include prematriculation programs, integrated foundation course series, context-driven didactic content delivery, longitudinal assessments, virtual simulations, and incorporation into skills-based assessments such as objective structured clinical examinations and experiential learning. By aligning foundational science education with patient-centered applications, these strategies aim to enhance learners' ability to make informed clinical decisions and prepare for contemporary pharmacy practice across various settings.