Expanding pharmacy resident research capacity through integration of introductory pharmacy practice experience students into a prospective research study: A novel application of the layered learning practice model

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionResearch and quality improvement projects are routine in contemporary pharmacy practice and are valuable components of experiential training for pharmacy students. There are descriptions of the layered learning practice model (LLPM) for expanding direct patient care activities, but its application in clinical research has not been described in the literature.ObjectivesThis case study provides a description of the novel integration of introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) students into a prospective research study led by a pharmacy resident to expand screening, enrollment, and data collection capacity.MethodsIPPE students were integrated into a prospective, observational study evaluating the effect of time to restart of prior to admission psychotropic medications on the development of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium. Using the LLPM, attending pharmacist preceptors mentored the pharmacy resident, who then assumed the primary preceptor role for three IPPE students. Students were integrated into project activities including institutional review board submission, data collection, and data analysis. Study data were collected and managed using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDcap). Student contributions to longitudinal research activities were quantified using descriptive statistics.ResultsThere were 487 patients screened for study enrollment, and 112 patients were included in the study. Research team members completed 890 ICU delirium screenings using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM‐ICU) tool and inputted 243 prospective medication reconciliations. Collectively, the students, resident, and pharmacist preceptors completed 48.6%, 38.7%, and 12.7% of CAM‐ICU assessments, respectively. This study was associated with increased opportunities for pharmacy resident‐led and student‐led scholarly activities.ConclusionThe integration of IPPE students into a prospective research study was successful in using the LLPM in expanding resident research capacity while being mutually beneficial to the pharmacy students and residents.