Impact of a novel preceptor collaborative advanced pharmacy practice experience curriculum on student-perceived ability and confidence

Abstract

Background and purposeA novel teaching collaborative for acute care medicine advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) was formed by five faculty preceptors. The primary goal of the collaborative model was to ensure that acute care medicine APPEs provided students with opportunities to achieve Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education Standards 2016, including strengthening students' ability to be practice- and team-ready. Educational activity and settingThe collaborative model included group discussions, video modules, patient cases, journal scans, and case presentations among student pharmacists completing an adult or pediatric acute care APPE. Anonymous, voluntary pre−/post-surveys were completed by a cohort of students who participated in the collaborative model from May 2018 to April 2019. Survey questions assessed student-perceived ability/confidence related to interprofessional (IP) relationships and decision-making skills for adult and pediatric patients, as well as value of activities. FindingsFrom the cohort of 67 students, 54 pre-survey and 45 post-survey responses were obtained. Post-rotation, students showed an increase in confidence to practice pharmacy on an IP team (39% vs. 100%, P < .001). Significant increases were also found for therapeutic decision-making regarding antibiotics, anticoagulants, and pharmacokinetics for adult and pediatric patients. Among students completing the post-survey, video modules were the most valued component of the model. SummaryA collaborative APPE model resulted in consistent increases in student-perceived ability and confidence related to care of adult and pediatric patients. This APPE model could be adapted within different care settings and pharmacy curricula.