An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in Application of Evidence-Based Policy

Abstract

To determine the impact of an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) to develop skills needed to apply an evidence-based approach to population-level practice decisions. A 4-week evidence-based medicine APPE was implemented that included active-learning techniques and online learning modules, participation in state drug-policy committee meetings, and completion of an evidence-based medicine review for a specific drug agent or class. Students' mean score on application of principles related to biostatistics and information mastery on posttests increased 15.8% from pretest to posttest. Students' mean score on a 22-question information mastery quiz was 90.8%. Mean scores for course evaluation components ranged from 4.8 to 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale. All respondents indicated they would recommend the APPE to other students. An APPE that incorporated content from active drug-policy committees increased students' evidence-based medicine skills and enhanced their understanding of, appreciation for, and confidence in evidence-based practice.