Assessment of preceptor understanding and use of levels of entrustment

Abstract

Introduction: This study determined the need to calibrate preceptors' use of levels of entrustment (LOE) in the evaluation of students performing entrustable professional activities (EPAs).

Methods: Two introductory and four advanced pharmacy practice experience-focused cases were developed which described a fictional student, a practice site, and timing of a rotation. The cases included EPA-based tasks assigned to the student. Participants were to assign a LOE to the student for each EPA-based task.

Results: Sixty of 317 preceptors participated in the study. Statistically significant differences in mean assigned LOE were found between preceptors by age (P < .05); between preceptors with differences in residency training (P < .05); and between preceptors who spent differing amounts of time with experiential students daily (P < .05).

Conclusions: Differences in assigned LOE were found based upon preceptor age, completion of a residency, and daily hours spent with experiential students. However, these differences did not result in changes to whether the student would pass or fail the rotation. Findings suggest that preceptors are consistent in assigning LOE to EPA-based tasks performed by students. In addition, preceptor development programming appears to be effective in establishing a standardized understanding of LOE among preceptors.

Keywords: Advanced pharmacy practice experience; Entrustable professional activities; Experiential education; Introductory pharmacy practice experience; Performance assessment; Preceptor development.