Integration of First- and Second-Year Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Abstract

To describe the integration of a first- and second-year introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) involving direct patient contact in hospitals and clinics as a means of more efficiently using academic and preceptor resources. Two IPPE courses were integrated in fall 2004 to accommodate increasing enrollment in classes and limited clinical practice sites and preceptors, as well as to meet the increased need for students and clinicians to practice principles of self-education. P1 and P2 students interviewed patients and presented patient cases; preceptor expectations were structured by instructional objectives. Student and preceptor course evaluations were assessed from survey data. During the assessment period, all students passed the courses. Following integration of the IPPEs, both courses received positive evaluations from students and preceptors. Initial advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) grades for students completing the courses further suggests that the integrated IPPEs were beneficial to students. The successful integration of first- and second- year IPPE courses resulted in more efficient use of academic and preceptor resources and created a model for other colleges of pharmacy to consider.