Abstract:

Objective:
Implementation science tools, like the National Implementation Research Network’s (NIRN) Heptagon Tool, can be utilized to determine the need, evidence, fit, usability, capacity, and supports for implementing change. One institution used this method to explore the “fit and feasibility” of revising the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum to a competency-driven model.

Methods:
The Heptagon Exploration Tool provided context in the exploration stage of curricular change by utilizing questions for each Program and Site Indicator and ratings on a five-point scale (1 – does not meet need/fit, 5 – strongly meets need/fit). After engaging in multiple interactions and focus groups with students, preceptors, and faculty, Curriculum Revision Taskforce (CRT) members used the discussion questions and ratings to determine whether to pursue and adopt this change.

Results:
Based on information gathered before change recommendations, the CRT assigned the following ratings in the Site and Program Indicators: Need – 4; Evidence – 4; Fit – 4; Usability – 3; Capacity to Implement – 4; Supports – 3. The tool’s discussion questions identified areas for additional consideration before implementing change. For example, the Capacity to Implement Indicator questions ask about workforce and staff needs, leadership knowledge and support, additional policies and procedures, and communication practices. The CRT used these questions to develop a communication process between faculty, administration, and students and identified policies and procedures (e.g., programmatic outcomes, remediation, co-op opportunities, workload) needing further evaluation.

Conclusions:
The NIRN Heptagon Tool provided additional guidance in exploring and determining curricular change. Discussion questions for each Indicator prompted further discussion about several key components, including communication procedures with all stakeholders. The rating scores, combined with the discussion questions, assisted in recommending curriculum change.

Keywords:

Implementation science, curriculum revision, curricular change.