Exploring collaboration in the implementation of a national assessment strategy: perspectives of advanced practice educators

Macarthur, Vicky ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0637-6551 and Clarkson, Melanie (2023) Exploring collaboration in the implementation of a national assessment strategy: perspectives of advanced practice educators. International Journal for Advancing Practice, 1 (3). pp. 111-116.

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Abstract

Background: Despite an increasingly competitive market, collaboration on course design between higher education institutes (HEIs) is still relatively under-researched, particularly in the UK. With the implementation of advanced clinical practice apprenticeships, this study focused on a series of workshops facilitated by the Association of Advanced Practice Educators UK (AAPEUK). These workshops aimed to ensure that faculty staff of HEIs, who were intending to deliver the advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) apprenticeship end-point assessments (EPAs), were informed and provisions met the requirements of the EPA assessment plan.

Method: This study used a mixed methodology to explore perceptions of the UK's collaborative community of practice, which has been developed in relation to a national assessment strategy, the ACP Apprenticeship EPA (Institute for Apprentices and Technical Education 2018). The survey used open and closed questions, and data and results were analysed separately. The participants of this study were all members of the End Point Assessment Organisation Network (EPAO).

Results: The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 16 participants to understand their experiences in the EPAO Network. The thematic analysis of the data resulted in three key themes: collaboration, support, and quality and consistency.

Discussion: The respondents found creating an environment where sharing experiences in an honest, open and generous group, and supporting each other, were valued. Such measures drove professional growth and empowered educators in the implementation of the ACP EPA.

Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrated the benefits of learning communities working as a community of practice, and the positive impact that collaboration had on individuals and faculties in higher education settings.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	International Journal for Advancing Practice
Publisher:	MA Healthcare
ISSN:	2753-5932
Departments:	Institute of Health > Urgent and Primary Care
Additional Information:	Vicky MacArthur, Senior Lecturer Advanced Clinical Practice Institute of Health, University of Cumbria (formerly Oxford Brookes University).
Depositing User:	Vicky Macarthur
Date Deposited:	05 Jun 2024 19:06
Last Modified:	05 Jun 2024 19:07
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7713

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