Implementation of a Novel Group-Based Entrustable Professional Activity Model During Early Experiential Placements

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of a group-based entrustable professional activity (EPA) model embedded within early work-integrated learning placements for pharmacy students.

Early-learner pharmacy students participated in 5 structured hospital-based placement visits focused on obtaining a best possible medication history (BPMH) for patients. A group learning approach was used, where students rotated between performing and observing the activity. The EPA tool was integrated to guide observation, self-reflection and supervisor feedback. Preactivity self-reported confidence and supervisor-assigned entrustment ratings were collected at each visit and aggregated to assess change over time. An end-of-semester survey captured students' perceptions of the EPA framework's utility. Summative performance was evaluated via an objective structured clinical examination, with scores compared with the previous year's cohort, which had not used the EPA tool.

A total of 95 students participated in the study. Supervisor-assigned entrustment ratings increased progressively across the 5 visits, whereas student self-reported confidence improved significantly overall. Students who performed the BPMH in later visits reported higher initial confidence and received higher entrustment ratings after observing multiple peers. Objective structured clinical examination performance showed statistically significant improvements in BPMH documentation and total scores compared with the pre-EPA cohort. Students valued the EPA for providing structure, clarifying expectations, enabling targeted feedback, and supporting peer-based learning.

A group-based EPA model embedded within early work-integrated learning placements effectively enhanced student confidence and competence developed through structured reflection, targeted feedback, and observational learning while remaining resource-efficient and scalable for undergraduate programs.