Evaluation of an ambulatory care elective to improve practice readiness perceptions utilizing entry-level competencies

Abstract

Background and purposeThe objectives of this study are to (1) describe the impact of an ambulatory care elective on students' future interests in ambulatory care careers and (2) evaluate students' perception of practice readiness using entry-level competencies. Educational activity and settingThis study employed a mixed methods approach to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a newly designed ambulatory care elective. A pre-post survey was developed to evaluate students' career plans and perceptions of practice readiness in an ambulatory care setting. The primary outcome analyzed the change in students' career plans and pre-post changes in self-perceptions using the institutional advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) ambulatory care rotation assessment and key skills from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists entry-level readiness objectives. A qualitative analysis was also conducted to analyze open-ended response questions within the post-survey as well as the overall course reflections from the students. FindingsThere was no significant difference in career plans; however, students' perception of practice readiness for the ambulatory care setting significantly improved following the elective course. SummaryThis elective course improved students' perception of practice readiness for the ambulatory care setting. Future research is required to assess the impact of student performance in APPE and post-graduate pursuits.