Development of a Competency Assessment Framework for Pharmacy Residents Participating in High-Fidelity Simulation and Creation of the SIMPHARM Assessment Tool.

Abstract

Background: Simulations are used to improve professional practice across multiple health professions; however, the application of simulations in pharmacy curricula has been limited by a lack of evidence.

Objectives: To delineate the competencies of pharmacy residents needed to assess their progress while participating in a high-fidelity simulation training program and to create a reliable assessment tool based on these competencies.

Methods: A literature review was conducted, followed by application of a modified Delphi method. An assessment tool based on the results of these activities was drafted (in French). A second modified Delphi process was carried out to assess the reliability of the tool, and the tool was modified accordingly.

Results: The literature search yielded a total of 2670 articles, of which 289 were included for analysis. The first modified Delphi process involved 19 experts in the first round and 10 experts in the second round. The Cronbach α was 0.866 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.713-0.960), indicating good reliability. A total of 7 competencies were retained for inclusion in the SIMPHARM assessment tool: professionalism, leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, preparation and packaging of medications, and pharmaceutical calculations. The second modified Delphi process involved 9 experts in the first round and 11 experts in the second round. The final Cronbach α was 0.877 (95% CI 0.741-0.960).

Conclusions: To the authors' knowledge, this was one of the largest studies exploring pharmacy competencies in the context of simulations. This work yielded a reliable framework for the assessment of pharmacy residents' competencies. This assessment tool may help evaluators in assessing the competencies of pharmacy trainees after simulation training.