Accomplishing CAPE Domain 3 During APPE Rotations: Student Perceptions

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine student perceptions of accomplishment among 6 subdomains of Center for Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Domain 3 “Approach to Practice and Care” outcomes in Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) across distinct geographical regions. Methods: An 18-item electronic survey was distributed to 88 student pharmacists at a private university completing APPEs in 5 distinct regions and 2 concentrated learning experiences during their penultimate rotation. The survey assessed whether students had at least 1 opportunity to achieve Domain 3 outcomes. Students were prompted to report a percentage of perceived successful accomplishment of outcomes if they stated they had at least 1 opportunity for achievement. Results: Survey response rate was 52% (n = 46). Respondents reported a median accomplishment of at least 85% for each question. For 2 questions, respondents reported a median accomplishment of 99%. Students perceived successful accomplishment for most of the questions related to communication outcomes, while the lowest completion percentages were noted in outcomes related to patient advocacy (85%) and problem solving (88%). Student perceptions of accomplishment among the 6 subdomains were similar across regions and concentrated learning experiences. Conclusions: Students felt confident in accomplishing the outcomes associated with CAPE Domain 3. Regional assignments did not impact student perceptions of outcome accomplishment. Preceptors may play a pivotal role in providing students with opportunities to further polish their skills and increase confidence, specifically in the areas of patient advocacy and problem solving.