Lessons learned from pharmacy learner and educator experiences during early stages of COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

DisclaimerIn an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.PurposeTo explore pharmacy learner (eg, resident, fellow) and educator (eg, residency program director, preceptor) experiences and lessons learned during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsIn May 2020, attendees of the virtual Research in Education and Practice Symposium (REPS) were invited to participate in two 1-hour networking sessions. During these sessions, participants completed individual and group reflection exercises during which they were asked questions about their experiences during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who volunteered submitted their responses through an electronic survey application. Anonymous responses were coded using thematic analysis to address the research questions.ResultsSixty-eight and 38 participants, respectively, attended the 2 networking discussions. Participant-identified professional impacts of the COVID-19 crisis included unexpected learning experiences, greater adaptability, workflow and learning interruptions, and decreased productivity. Personal impacts included a greater focus on well-being, physical and social isolation, and changes in travel plans. Participants noted positive and negative emotions including acceptance, encouragement, anxiety, stress, and frustration. The main lessons learned focused on adaptability, gratitude, and empathy. Participants indicated that they would have from foreknowledge of the anticipated duration of the pandemic, associated workflow changes, and the reliance on technology the pandemic would engender. In addition, they predicted that pharmacy practice will require changes to workflow flexibility, training expectations, the pharmacist’s role, and organizational structure.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has positively and negatively impacted the professional and personal lives of pharmacy learners and educators, with the most notable impacts being in the areas of well-being and adaptability. Future research should explore the experiences of other workforce personnel and evaluate the long-term impact on pharmacy practice, patient outcomes, and workforce well-being and resiliency.