Administration and Evaluation of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy 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 perception surveys 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 schools used the curriculum quality survey was created and administered between March and June 2019 to assessment contacts of accredited schools and colleges of pharmacy. Descriptive statistics were performed for each survey item. Results. Of the 140 programs invited to participate, 88 (62.8%) responded. Curriculum quality survey data were triangulated with additional existing data (39.8%) or additional data sources were collected for triangulation with the survey data (54.5%). Programs reported on modifications made in the following areas: curriculum (85.2%), communication (75.0%), student services (68.2%), policy and process (61.4%), and professional development (53.4%). Most programs reported the assessment lead was responsible for oversight of the curriculum quality survey. 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 curriculum quality survey data for making meaningful programmatic improvements. Future work should center on further development of best practices for schools and colleges of pharmacy to effectively use the CQS data for continuous quality improvement.