A structured self‐reflection approach to improve reflection quality and assessment of advanced pharmacy practice experience professionalization

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionAdvanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) provide ample opportunity for students to acclimate into pharmacy roles and experience professionalization through authentic practice. A structured APPE self‐reflection process improvement was implemented to assist students in writing higher quality reflections, and to better capture themes of student professionalization.ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper was to describe experience with the structured self‐reflection format and (a) determine the most impactful APPE professionalization themes derived from student self‐categorization; and (b) analyze self‐reflections for inclusion of actionable professional development plans.MethodsA four‐step structured APPE self‐reflection format, abbreviated IDEA (Identify, Describe, Evaluate, and Actionable Plan), was created to standardize the reflection process. For each APPE, students (N = 211) completed the IDEA by selecting a theme of professionalization impact (from 15 predetermined choices) and crafting a self‐reflection. For the APPE annual cycle, themes of professionalization impact were compiled and grouped into overarching categories spanning development in practice or communication skills, student professional development, and collaborative teamwork. A rubric was developed for faculty to evaluate levels of reflection with a goal of critical reflection (evidence of transformative behavior or perspectives) described in actionable professional development plans.ResultsTwo hundred eleven students completed 1473 IDEA self‐reflections (6.9 per student). All 15 themes of impact were selected for self‐reflection, with “practice skills development/experiencing new curricular discipline” being most prevalent. Critical reflection was attained in 968 (65.7%) of reflections. A decline in criticality over time was noted, with the first six APPE modules averaging 73% and dropping to 54% and 34% in the final two modules, respectively.ConclusionThe IDEA structured APPE self‐reflection enables students to readily identify professionalization themes and reflect upon their impact. Two‐thirds of reflections indicated actionable professional development plans, indicative of professionalization and transformative learning.