Describing education management and perceptions in health‐system pharmacy: A survey of medical institutions

Abstract

PurposeTo describe current pharmacy education organizational structures and perceptions in medical institutions in order to inform education management practices and prompt greater discussion about strategies to optimize workforce development and patient care.MethodsTwo surveys were created and distributed to collect information from key personnel involved in educational management at medical institutions across the nation. The education management survey was distributed to residency program directors and requested participants to define their current organizational structure around and resources for education. The education perceptions survey was distributed to health‐system pharmacy personnel and requested participants to describe their perceptions and needs about current education programs and management strategies used in their respective institution.ResultsSixty participants from primarily large academic medical institutions (88%) completed the education management survey (37% response rate). Only 27 (45%) institutions were reported to have an individual responsible for education program oversight and 20 (33%) institutions have an education committee. Participants identified that a significant gap remains in resources available for preceptor development, technician continuing education, and conducting research in health‐system pharmacy. The education perceptions survey was completed by 107 participants from 31 institutions; most participants felt their institutional education structure was “above average” (33%) or “average” (45%).ConclusionThe findings from this study suggest education management in a sample of institutions is variable and in need of greater attention. Institutions are encouraged to commit to refining pharmacy education management models to support lifelong learning practices that are integral for organizational success and advancing the profession.