Description of the Administration and Evaluation of the AACP Curriculum Quality Surveys in Pharmacy Schools

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate how pharmacy programs administer and evaluate American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Curriculum Quality surveys (CQS) for continuous quality improvement, and to compare usage across the academy to the Principles of Good Use: AACP Quality Perception Surveys document.

Methods. A 27-item survey instrument examining how CQS surveys were utilized was created and administered between March and June 2019 to assessment contacts of accredited Schools and Colleges of Pharmacy (S/COP). Descriptive statistics were performed for each survey item.

Results. Of the 140 programs invited to participate, 88 (62.8%) responded. CQS data were triangulated with additional existing data (39.8%) or additional data sources were collected for triangulation with the survey data (54.5%). Based on CQS data programs reported modifications to curriculum (85.2%), communication (75.0%), student services (68.2%), policy/process (61.4%), and professional development (53.4%). Most programs reported the assessment lead was responsible for CQS oversight.

Conclusion. Of respondents, 66% were familiar with the AACP “Principles of Good Use” document, and results indicate that institutions are generally following the recommendations. Survey analysis revealed that a significant number of programs are utilizing CQS data for making meaningful programmatic improvements. Future work should center on further development of best practices for S/COP to effectively use the CQS data for continuous quality improvement.