Design and activity evaluation of an Advanced-Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (aIPPE) course for assessment of student APPE-readiness

Abstract

Background and purpose: The newly implemented Advanced-Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (aIPPE) course at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences was designed to assess student readiness for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) and provide formative feedback regarding skills and abilities needed to be successful during subsequent coursework and practice experiences.

Educational activity and setting: The aIPPE is a full-time, six week (240hours) direct patient care rotation occurring in the spring semester of the third-professional year following a longitudinal integrated IPPE program. Required aIPPE course elements mimic the activities and expectations students should anticipate encountering during APPE training.

Findings: All students participating in the initial aIPPE course offering were described as APPE-Ready. Students and preceptors described the aIPPE course as successful in achieving the primary outcome of preparing students for improved downstream performance.

Summary: The aIPPE provided students opportunities to demonstrate readiness to enter advanced pharmacy practice experience.

Keywords: APPE readiness; Experiential education; Introductory pharmacy practice experience; Pharmacy education; Pharmacy students.