Service and education within a student-run pharmacy: An evaluation of the Butler University Community Outreach Pharmacy

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of activities rendered through the service and education domains of Butler University Community Outreach Pharmacy's (BUCOP) mission statement. MethodsAnonymous evaluations of service and education amongst patients receiving prescriptions from BUCOP and student–pharmacists volunteering at BUCOP were performed respectively. Patient's confidence in students' ability to render retail-based pharmaceutical care was assessed via a questionnaire. A student questionnaire solicited feedback on pharmacy practice experiences (PPE) obtained through BUCOP volunteering. Descriptive statistics are reported where appropriate. Responses are reported as likelihood ratios (Chi-squared). ResultsApproximately 80% of the patients reported favorable experiences at BUCOP. The majority (97.9%) of patients stated that they would use BUCOP again and would refer to BUCOP. Patients viewing services as “Very Good” or “Excellent” expressed confidence in the students' ability to explain medical conditions (80.43%; LR = 42.02; df = 9; p<0.001); explain medications (78.72%; LR = 50.93; df = 9; p<0.001); and how to take medication (81.25%; LR = 9.72; df = 3; p = 0.021). All student–pharmacists (n = 21) who were surveyed reported increased confidence counseling/interacting with patients secondary to this experience. Regarding interdisciplinary interaction, 70% of the student–pharmacists felt “Very” or “Somewhat” utilized by the student–physicians and 70% felt that the interactions with student–physicians were either “Very” or “Somewhat” beneficial. All students stated that they would volunteer again and recommend other student–pharmacists to volunteer. ConclusionResults suggest a positive experience on student learning and patient satisfaction with this student-run pharmacy. While quality improvements can be made, BUCOP is fulfilling its service and education mission statements.