(314) Novel application of an implementation science framework to refine a holistic student success program

Objective : The UAMS College of Pharmacy (COP) has evolved its approach to student retention and success over the past several years. The evolution has been organic rather than planned and has had suboptimal uptake by students and integration with course-level efforts. We are using the EPIS (exploration, preparation, implementation, and sustainment) framework from the discipline of implementation science to guide the development of the next iteration of a student success approach.

Methods: Since 2017, student success efforts have increased from student-initiated triage for support services and mid-term administrative checkpoints to weekly interprofessional committee review of exam performance across all didactic courses, targeted meetings with struggling students based on exam trends, and consults with staff from the UAMS Wellness Clinic. As the administrative process has grown more complex and continued for multiple semesters, we have become increasingly aware of the lack of integration with course-level efforts and low rate of behavior change by struggling students.

Results: Implementation science frameworks can guide the integration of evidence-based practices into routine use. These frameworks can provide useful roadmaps for developing student success programs in complex organizations while considering the local context. The EPIS framework considers phases involved in the implementation process. First, we explore student needs and identify evidence-based practices to meet them. In the preparatory phase, we identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and develop a plan tailor made for our context. The sustainment phase monitors the implementation and adapts as necessary, allowing us to respond to changing student needs.

Conclusions: By adopting a systematic and evidence-based approach to student success, the college will continue to improve student success interventions with ultimate improvement of student learning, retention, and success.