Postgraduate Year 1 Pharmacy Residency Research Articles

Best practices for PGY1 letters of intent: Recommendations from a modified Delphi process.

The aim of this study was to provide consensus recommendations from residency program leaders on letters of intent (LOIs) written by postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency candidates. A 3-round modified Delphi process was used to determine consensus among PGY1 residency program leaders across the country. A screening and demographic survey was utilized to ensure representation of panelists. The initial items for round 1 of the study were developed using existing published literature, with pilot testing by 2 residency program directors. For each round, respondents rated items on a 7-point Likert scale, with opportunities to provide qualitative feedback and modifications for lower-rated items. For future rounds, items were adjusted based on respondent feedback. Only items meeting predefined consensus were included in the final recommendations. A total of 254 pharmacists were invited to participate in the panel, with 41 completing the demographic and study consent survey. There were 35 participants in round 1, 34 of whom remained for rounds 2 and 3. The panel created 18 LOI recommendations for PGY1 residency candidates. Most recommendations were focused on the content of the LOI, while others were related to formatting. The recommendations from this study can be employed by PGY1 pharmacy residency candidates to enhance their likelihood of success in the residency application process.

Assessment of Longitudinal Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Programs in Preparing Pharmacy Students for Residency Training

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) pharmacy residents felt more prepared for residency training after having completed a Longitudinal Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (LAPPE) program during pharmacy school. MethodsThis was a multicenter, two-arm, cross-sectional study among PGY-1 pharmacy residents. The primary outcome was self-reported residency preparedness. Secondary outcomes included self-reported competency in key indicators for success during early residency and matching with a preferred residency program. A survey was developed to obtain these data and was sent via email to all residency program directors of qualifying programs, who then redistributed it to PGY-1 residents in their respective programs. ResultsA total of 960 PGY-1 residents were included in the study. Of these, 180 (19%) reported prior participation in a LAPPE program. Longitudinal Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience participants reported increased preparedness for residency training as compared to nonparticipants (mean 6.18 vs 5.72 on a 7-point Likert scale; difference 0.46, 95% CI 0.309–0.618). Longitudinal Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience participation was also associated with greater self-reported clinical knowledge and skills (mean 5.18 vs 4.95, difference 0.23, 95% CI 0.093–0.372). Self-reported matching with a preferred residency program was common and similar between cohorts. ConclusionPostgraduate year 1 residents who had completed a LAPPE felt better prepared for residency than those who had not completed a LAPPE. Prior LAPPE participation was also associated with greater self-reported clinical knowledge and skills at the start of residency training.

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Pharmacy School Admission Variables and PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Match

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between pharmacy school admission variables and matching to a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency program. MethodsDemographic data, academic indicators, and application review scores were collected for the 2017–2020 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduating classes. Multiple mini-interview (MMI) scores were collected for the 2018–2020 PharmD graduating classes. Postgraduate year 1 matching data were collected for all students. Bivariate analyses were performed comparing students who matched to a PGY1 residency versus those who did not match versus those who did not pursue a residency. Logistic regression modeling was performed to explore predictors of matching to a PGY1 residency program. ResultsA total of 616 students were included. Bivariate analyses revealed that students who matched to a PGY1 had a higher undergraduate grade point average, higher pharmacy college admissions test composite score, were younger in age, and were more likely to identify as female. Students who matched also scored higher on MMI stations with constructs related to integrity, adaptability, critical thinking, and why pursuing our school. Logistic regression modeling found that an increase in age was associated with lower odds of matching to a PGY1 (0.88 [0.78–0.99]) and an increase in composite MMI station score was associated with higher odds of matching (1.8 [1.31–2.47]). ConclusionSeveral pharmacy school admission variables were found to be associated with successful matching to a PGY1 residency. These findings have the potential for impact at a programmatic level when evaluating the weight of certain criteria for admission decisions and at the individual student level when providing career services support.

Breaking outside the box: Use of escape rooms in pharmacy residency interviews

AbstractBackgroundThe American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists Pharmacy Resident Match continues to be a competitive process. In recent years, postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) applicants have outpaced available positions. An increase in the number of highly qualified applicants has made identification of standout candidates challenging for residency programs. There is a need to assess nonacademic attributes, such as: leadership, communication, teamwork, problem‐solving, and self‐awareness. These are essential to pharmacy resident success, though are not easily elicited with traditional interview questions.AimsThe purpose of this interview escape room activity was to observe and differentiate PGY1 pharmacy residency candidates' nonacademic attributes and clinical knowledge through real‐time, problem‐based engagement. This descriptive report details the program's use of team‐based escape rooms in the pharmacy residency interview process and provides recommendations for developing and implementing an interview escape room activity.Materials and MethodsThe interview escape room was conducted for a PGY1 program at a large, academic medical center in San Antonio, Texas, during the 2020–2022 residency recruitment seasons. Participants were observed and assessed using the Communication and Teamwork Skills assessment.ResultsThe escape room allowed candidates to showcase their academic and nonacademic skills in various ways. Candidates reported feeling more relaxed than in traditional interviews.DiscussionElements of developing an interview escape room activity include planning and design, theme selection, knowledge and puzzle pairing, content testing, execution, and feedback.ConclusionInterview escape rooms provide insight into the skillset of candidates in the areas of communication, leadership, and teamwork, and create a memorable interview experience for both candidates and residency leadership.

Implementation of a pharmacy residency resiliency program for PGY1 and PGY2 residents: Program structure and resident perceptions.

To describe the implementation of a pharmacy residency resiliency program (PRRP) for postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residents, including program structure, strengths and weaknesses/limitations, resident perceptions as captured by a postprogram survey, generalizability to other institutions, and opportunities for future directions. Pharmacy residents face significant pressure, workload, and stressors that put them at risk for burnout and depression. While resiliency has been a major area of focus to help combat these risks for healthcare professionals, little has been published regarding formal, structured resiliency training in pharmacy, especially in pharmacy residency programs. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) residency standards recommend that programs consider education related to burnout prevention and that mitigation strategies be provided to residents and other pharmacy personnel, but no formal pharmacy-specific programs or strategies have been established. We implemented a 12-month PRRP for PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents and conducted a postprogram survey to assess resident perceptions and to identify areas for growth. Implementation of a PRRP was feasible and could be replicated at other institutions. Residents in our program reported a high level of satisfaction, skills gained, and positive attributes of the addition of the PRRP. Some notable factors contributing to success included the program's longitudinal nature, use of a nonpharmacy facilitator, and impactful content from an established resiliency skills curriculum.

Novel use of a sequential standardized oral board exam to assess PGY1 resident progression.

A standardized oral board exam was created to longitudinally assess postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents in key domains. We provide a descriptive review of a novel oral board exam administered quarterly to our PGY1 pharmacy residents. Preceptors from our core rotations (internal medicine/infectious diseases, adult critical care, oncology, pediatrics, and administration/health policy and outcomes) developed questions based on situations commonly encountered by PGY1 residents to assess residents' communication; the content of their response, assessment, and plan; and coachability. Over the 4-year history of this assessment, scoring has matured to consider whether a resident has or has not met or has exceeded expectations for a PGY1 resident at a given stage in their training. Our comprehensive feedback and action planning approach included residents' self-assessment, feedback from the exam committee, development and implementation of a customized training plan for execution, and dissemination to our preceptors. Systematically assessing our PGY1 residents with this innovative method provided a process for tracking their performance and served as a baseline for those who completed additional training at our institution. A standardized quarterly oral board exam was developed to identify residents' strengths and areas for improvement at established periods during the PGY1 residency training program. This standardized assessment, paired with individualized action plans and open communication with key stakeholders, stimulated development in residents' performance, communication, and interpersonal skills. We aim to expand this system's application to identify predictors of success for candidates we interview for our postgraduate training programs.

Personality: A potentially untapped resource in the selection of postgraduate pharmacy residents.

This study assessed whether personality testing of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency applicants was feasible and predicted important selection outcomes, including interview offers. Applicants to the PGY1 pharmacy residency program at a large academic medical center were invited to complete a 50-item online personality test based on the 5-factor model (ie, the "Big Five"). Scores were sealed until after matching, at which point they were compared to screening, interview, and ranking and match outcomes. Endpoints of interest included the feasibility of the test (eg, time required for completion, completion rate) and whether personality predicted the odds of an interview offer. The personality test was taken by 137 PGY1 applicants (69.5%) and required a median of 6.8 minutes to complete. Openness to experience was associated with decreased odds of an interview offer (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.98), whereas conscientiousness and extraversion were associated with increased odds of an interview offer (conscientiousness: adjusted OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02-1.55; extraversion: OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.31). When combined with traditional screening criteria (eg, awards, leadership positions), openness to experience and extraversion remained predictors of an interview offer (in the directions specified above), whereas conscientiousness did not. In an exploratory analysis of interviewees, agreeableness was a negative predictor of interview score. Personality did not predict screening scores or final ranking. Personality testing, based on the traits desired at individual residency programs, could be a valuable addition to the methods used for selecting PGY1 pharmacy residents.

Rising to the challenge: Pharmacy residents on the front lines during COVID-19 pandemic.

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 provide pharmacy residents’ perspective on how the department of pharmacy at a large academic medical center prepared and managed the surge in admissions of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to describe how residents were trained for intensive care unit (ICU) staffing, and to provide recommendations on how residency programs nationally could navigate a second wave of COVID-19 admissions or other disaster response situations.SummaryThe majority of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents at the institution were trained for ICU staffing and deployed throughout the hospital to ICU units converted to dedicated COVID-19 ICUs to assist in patient care. The training process included live videoconference lectures about relevant ICU topics and on-site experiences with critical care clinical pharmacists. Based on their experience in training for and participating in ICU care of patients with COVID-19, the pharmacy residents recommend considering additional cross-training of residents, integration of additional clinical education, creation of opportunities for resident involvement in telehealth, advancement of residents’ roles in emergency responses, building robust mental health services, and continued advocacy for the advancement of pharmacists’ and pharmacy residents’ scope of practice.ConclusionThe onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the institution to reevaluate the allocation of resources, and the department of pharmacy elected to deploy PGY1 pharmacy residents with previous ICU experience to assist in caring for an ICU patient census that had doubled. This experience will be valuable in preparing for another potential wave of COVID-19 cases and a surge in admissions of other groups of patients who deferred care due to the pandemic.

Impact of PhORCAS references on overall application score for postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency candidates

The disparity between the number of applicants for postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency positions and the number of available residency positions increases the need to optimize how applicants are evaluated. The purpose of the study described here was to evaluate the correlation of ratings of residency candidate characteristics by academic and professional references listed on residency applications with overall application score, applicant ranking, and the likelihood of candidates receiving an invitation to interview. A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the correlation of reference writers' ratings of 13 candidate characteristics and their overall recommendations with program-determined outcomes (eg, final application score, applicant ranking, and invitation to interview) through analysis of PGY1 applications submitted through the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application System (PhORCAS) from 2015 through 2018. Keywords and themes within the open-ended section of letters of reference were also analyzed for correlation with overall application score. A total of 5,923 references listed on 1,867 applications to 4 PGY1 pharmacy residency programs processed by PhORCAS were included in the analysis. For the majority of applicant characteristic ratings (ie, 74% of 56,872 ratings overall), reference writers rated candidates as exceeding expectations, and applicants were "highly recommended" by these evaluators in 91% of cases. References' average characteristic ratings and overall recommendations were poorly correlated with final application score (R2 = 0.12 [P < 0.0001] and R2 = 0.08 [P < 0.0001], respectively), final ranking (R2 = 0.02 [P < 0.0001] and R2 = 0.03 [P < 0.0001], respectively), and invitation to interview (R2 = 0.07 [P < 0.0001] and R2 = 0.04 [P < 0.0001], respectively). For the themes evaluated, references' use of teaching words best correlated with normalized final application score, although the correlation was poor (R2 = 0.007, P = 0.0001). Reference writers' ratings of PGY1 residency candidate characteristics in PhORCAS are poorly correlated with application score, applicant ranking, and invitation to interview. The results of this study suggest that the existing PhORCAS standardized form for submitting references is of limited utility in its current state.

Implementation of hepatitis C screening within a pharmacist-managed medication-assisted therapy opioid use disorder protocol program

Objectives(1) To describe an innovative medication-assisted therapy (MAT) opioid use disorder (OUD) protocol in an independent community pharmacy, (2) to assess patient retention of the protocol, and (3) to describe the implementation of pharmacist-initiated hepatitis C virus (HCV) screenings of patients enrolled in the protocol. SettingIndependent pharmacy affiliated with a detox and rehabilitation center in Louisville, KY. Practice descriptionA postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) pharmacy resident–led OUD and HCV screening protocol. Practice innovationUnder the Kentucky MAT OUD protocol, pharmacists at St. Matthews Community Pharmacy recognized the lack of HCV screening as a protocol requirement. To provide comprehensive care, the pharmacists added an HCV screening assessment for all patients enrolled in the pharmacy MAT OUD program. EvaluationThe pharmacy was the first in Kentucky to implement the MAT OUD protocol after state board approval in January 2018. Patient retention rates of the MAT OUD protocol were evaluated during the 2018-2019 PGY-1 pharmacy residency program. HCV screening was implemented and assessed during this time. ResultsThe service was implemented by the pharmacy practice resident with 77 patients enrolled in the MAT OUD program and 36 consenting to the HCV screening assessments. More than half (52%) of the study participants remained in the MAT OUD program for the recommended duration of 6 months or more. All study participants (n = 36) had recent HCV screenings. ConclusionThis practice innovation, led through the PGY-1 pharmacy residency program, allowed patients to enroll in a MAT OUD program in the privacy of their community pharmacy. The patient retention rate was similar to those found in physician-provided OUD programs. HCV positive screenings were found in individuals with no previous history of intravenous drug use. This provides reasoning to consider adding HCV screenings as a requirement to OUD protocols.

Which PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Is Right for Me? Advantages and Disadvantages of Pediatric-Focused and Traditional PGY1 Pharmacy Programs.

Students interested in pediatric pharmacy may face difficulty choosing a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy residency program. These students can complete their PGY1 Pharmacy residency in a traditional PGY1 Pharmacy program, a program with less than 50% of pediatric rotation experiences, or a pediatric-focused PGY1 Pharmacy program, a program with at least 50% of pediatric rotation experiences. These programs differ in rotational experiences, types of projects available, service commitment, and preceptor backgrounds. This article provides potential advantages and disadvantages that students may consider when selecting between these 2 different PGY1 Pharmacy residency programs. In addition, the article includes advice for students to consider when evaluating the best fit for themselves, and many of the recommendations were developed following a presentation that was given to students at the Pediatric Pharmacy Association's Annual Meeting in April 2019. Ultimately, the best residency program fit for a student interested in pediatrics should be based on each student's priorities, preferences, and career goals.

Characterization of clinical knowledge and problem-solving assessments employed in postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency interviews.

Attainment of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency positions has become increasingly competitive. Inclusion of clinical knowledge and problem-solving assessments in onsite interviews has increased in recent years. Characterization of these assessments is necessary for applicants to best prepare for interviews and for mentors to provide guidance. An online survey was emailed to program directors of PGY1 pharmacy residency programs accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical data. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze nonparametric continuous data. Of the 221 respondents, most identified their programs as based at community (48%) or academic (39%) medical centers. Ninety percent of programs reported inclusion of clinical knowledge and problem-solving assessments in the onsite interview process. The most common assessments included asking clinical questions (70%), development of a SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, plan) note or care plan (42%), and formal presentations that applicants prepared prior to arrival (39%). Most programs (71%) reported incorporating multiple assessments, with 2 assessments included most commonly (43%). Clinical assessment performance accounted for 10% to 25% of the overall interview score in approximately half of programs. During onsite PGY1 residency interviews, applicants must be prepared to participate in at least 1 clinical knowledge and problem-solving assessment, including answering clinical questions, developing a SOAP note or care plan, and/or delivering a presentation. Applicants should expect that these assessments will account for a substantial portion of the interview evaluation.

Impact of Expansion of PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program From 2 to 4 Residents

Purpose: To evaluate the benefits of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency program expansion on clinical outcomes, pharmacy services, educational outreach, costs, and preceptor time at a community teaching hospital. Methods: During academic years 2014 to 2016, two PGY1 resident positions existed, expanding to four PGY1 resident positions during 2016 to 2018. Quantitative analyses comparing the aforementioned periods evaluated clinical interventions, adverse drug events prevented, community and hospital educational programs provided, departmental costs, and documented preceptor hours as a result of program growth. The outcomes were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean number of documented clinical interventions completed by the resident classes with two residents was 2906 when compared to 5324 with four residents. The mean number of prevented adverse drug events was 56 during the years with two residents and 220 in the years with four residents. The number of community outreach programs increased from 2 to 18 per year. The number of resident lectures provided to allied health professionals increased from 11 to 16 sessions per year. The net economic impact associated with two residents in 2014 was +$4661 USD, while in 2017 the net impact was −$5262 USD. The mean preceptor hours spent per year related to residency activities with two residents was 1005 hours compared to 1109.5 hours with four residents. Conclusion: Through strategic modification, expansion of the PGY1 residency program led to increased documentation of clinical interventions, prevented adverse drug events, and educational programs provided with minimal change in preceptor burden.

Evaluating the design and conduct of teaching, education, and dissemination of knowledge learning experiences: A survey of American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP)‐accredited postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency programs (TEDKLE—PGY1 survey)

AbstractIntroductionA postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency is designed to build upon the Doctor of Pharmacy education. The American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists (ASHP) accreditation standards, along with the competency areas, goals, and objectives (CAGOs), list four required competency areas for the design of pharmacy residency programs. The fourth required competency area goals and objectives (CAGO R4) focuses on the development of residents' skills related to teaching, education, and dissemination of knowledge. A characterization of current programs' approaches to satisfying this CAGO might stimulate improvements and spread innovation.ObjectivesTo better characterize how PGY1 pharmacy residency programs incorporate teaching experiences in the training of residents.MethodsThe authors developed a survey to address the goals and objectives under CAGO R4. The survey was distributed to residency program directors (RPDs) of ASHP‐accredited PGY1 pharmacy residency programs and responses were voluntary. All data were analyzed descriptively to determine frequency (n) and percent (%).Results21.9% of RPDs surveyed completed the survey, with a wide variation in program demographics. The most common presentations were to pharmacy staff/students (65.6%) and consisted of poster presentations (81.8%) or platform presentations (74.9%). The most common writing experiences included chart notes (94.6%) and drug monographs (88.7%). In regard to precepting, the majority (82.8%) of programs require their residents to co‐precept one to two pharmacy students per residency year. Finally, approximately half of the respondents required their residents to complete a teaching certificate program, with an additional 62.6% of these programs offering pedagogical readings.ConclusionDespite offering a number of experiences aimed at achieving the goals and objectives of CAGO R4, considerable variation exists in the design of the experiences offered and how programs assess the residents' learning experiences.

Perceived Stress, Stressors, and Coping Mechanisms Among PGY1 Pharmacy Residents

Objective. To evaluate perceived stress among postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents and to examine relationships between perceived stress and certain demographic variables. Main stressors during residency training and coping mechanisms used were also determined. Methods. A link to a web-based survey was sent to 1128 pharmacy residency program directors who were asked to forward it to current PGY1 residents in their programs. The 22-item questionnaire included the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), demographic information, number of working/sleeping hours, and major stressors and coping mechanisms. Results. There were 505 responses collected from PGY1 residents of community pharmacy, managed care, and pharmacy practice residency programs across the US. Females reported higher PSS-10 scores than males. Perceived stress scores were similar across age groups. Single residents and married residents exhibited similar PSS-10 scores. Residents with children had higher stress score compared to residents without children. Perceived stress scores were similar across types of PGY1 residency programs. A higher number of working hours was associated with a higher PSS-10 score. Time pressures, work overload, and fear of error were the top stressors reported. Spending time with family and friends, staying optimistic, and engaging in enjoyable activities were the top coping strategies employed by participants. Conclusion. Female gender, having children, working longer working hours, and desire to change residency program were associated with higher PSS-10 scores. Approximately a third of the participants associated perceived stress with activities related to residency training (time pressures, workload, fear of errors) and report the use of positive coping strategies to deal with stress.

Characterization of Pharmacy Resident Interventions on an Academic Inpatient Internal Medicine Rotation

Purpose: To characterize the clinical interventions of postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) pharmacy residents on a required, 1-month, inpatient adult internal medicine service at an academic medical center. Methods: The interventions completed by PGY-1 pharmacy residents on a required, adult internal medicine rotation were analyzed. Documentation of clinical interventions was performed by the PGY-1 residents, and the significance of the intervention was subsequently determined. Acceptance rates of clinical interventions were also documented and reviewed. Results: A total of 2161 interventions were documented by 14 PGY-1 pharmacy residents between January 2016 and May 2017. Of these interventions, 2016 (93.3%) had a positive, or accepted, outcome. The significance of the majority of interventions was moderate (93.5%), indicating that either an improvement in drug therapy effectiveness, decreased hospital length of stay, reduction in cost, or prevention in harm had occurred. The most common intervention types were recommendations to add, change, or discontinue a medication therapy, completion of a pharmacy dosing consult or conducting an admission medication reconciliation. Conclusion: PGY-1 pharmacy residents have a positive impact on patient care in the inpatient adult internal medicine setting.

Breadth of Statistical Training Among Pharmacy Residency Programs Across the United States.

Background: Pharmacy residents' knowledge of biostatistics is a self-identified deficit. Objective: To describe statistical training practices across postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency programs and correlate training practices with residency program directors' (RPDs) confidence in their residents' statistical abilities. Methods: A 13-item survey was sent to PGY1 RPDs and included questions regarding respondents' institution, program characteristics, type and amount of statistical training offered and desired, as well as performance of statistics, resident project publication rates, and RPDs' confidence in residents' statistical abilities. Results: Of the 1054 RPDs invited to participate in the survey, 202 (19.7%) surveys were completed. Nearly 25% of PGY1 pharmacy residency programs in this sample offered no statistical training to their residents. The most common types of training were study design considerations/selecting statistical tests (64.9%), descriptive statistics (59.9%), and database development/data manipulation (46.6%). The majority (60.9%) of RPDs had low confidence in their residents' abilities to perform their own statistical analysis. After adjusting for significant covariates, residents receiving complex statistical training (odds ratio [OR]: 6.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-24.9) and a publication rate >50% (OR: 5.63; 95% CI: 1.61-19.69) were associated with higher RPD confidence in residents' abilities to perform statistical analyses. Conclusion: The sample of programs in this survey indicates that statistical training for many residents may be limited, and many RPDs are not confident in their residents' abilities to perform statistical analysis of research projects. Statistical training and opportunities to enhance research skills may be an area for future growth in pharmacy residency training programs.

Changes in Pharmacy Residency Training Design Between 2012 and 2017: A Perspective of Academic Medical Centers.

Purpose:The role of health-system pharmacists continues to expand, and this area of pharmacy practice increasingly requires augmented baseline training. It is unclear how Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY-1) pharmacy residencies may be changing to meet these needs.The objectives of our survey were to describe PGY-1 pharmacy residency program design among academic medical centers, characterize program changes enacted over 5-year period, and describe career paths among PGY-1 pharmacy residency graduates. Methods: A 32-item questionnaire was developed independently, which was reviewed and validated by 4 residency program directors. The survey was uploaded to an online survey tool and sent electronically to residency program directors of 109 Vizient academic medical centers with PGY-1 pharmacy residency programs. Residency program directors were identified from a list of Vizient-participating hospitals. The survey was re-sent at 2-week intervals on 4 occasions to improve response rates. SPSS version 23.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: Overall, 49 (45%) of hospitals responded to the survey. Survey responses showed statistically significant increases over the 5-year survey period in the following areas: the number of PGY-1 resident positions offered (P = .001), percent of time spent on teaching experiences (P = .001), and percentage of PGY-1 residents pursuing PGY-2 or fellowship training (P = .026). Conclusion: We found that PGY-1 pharmacy residency programs at Vizient academic medical centers have undergone limited changes over the 5-year survey period and substantial variation exists between program designs. The most common change to program design was an increase in the percentage of time residents spend on teaching experiences. There was an increase in residents pursuing PGY-2 or fellowship training, which may suggest a shift toward increased specialization in clinical pharmacy practice or may reflect changes in the availability of job opportunities.

Residency pathways to ambulatory care practice: Essential insights for students, residents, and educators

ObjectiveTo provide a guiding document describing residency training opportunities in ambulatory care for students, postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residents, practicing pharmacists, and pharmacy educators. SummaryStudent pharmacists, residents, practitioners, and educators can benefit from a guiding document describing the various pathways to develop as an ambulatory care practitioner through residency training. The benefits and differences of PGY1 and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) ambulatory care residency programs are included. ConclusionThere are many possible training options for pharmacists interested in pursuing a career in ambulatory care pharmacy practice. In addition to the required ambulatory and community experience required for all Doctorate of Pharmacy students, postgraduate training in an ambulatory environment can allow for specialization. Candidates for residency training can complete a PGY1 pharmacy residency or a PGY1 community-based pharmacy residency, possibly followed by a PGY2 ambulatory care residency. Career paths for ambulatory care pharmacists vary regionally across the country according to competition for positions, local availability of training programs, and the experience of regional leaders. A comprehensive description of these available training pathways and advantages of each are beneficial for students, residents, practicing pharmacists, and educators.

National survey of pharmacy residents nearing completion of the 2014-15 residency year.

The results of a national survey targeting postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) resident's perceptions of their residency programs and postresidency job prospects are presented. An electronic survey was distributed to PGY1 and PGY2 residents identified through the ASHP membership database. The survey asked basic demographic questions, questions related to the residency experience (satisfaction, hours spent on various general activities such as patient care, research, and staffing), and various questions related to residents' job search and future career plans (search methods, outcomes, and satisfaction with the process). A total of 529 responses were received from the 2,766 surveys that were distributed, yielding a response rate of 19%. Most respondents reported having a favorable opinion of their residency. At the time of the survey, 71% of residents reported having found a full-time job; 17% of residents were still looking for a position. Eighty-five percent of PGY2 residents reported accepting a position in their specialty area and accepted clinical specialist roles in larger numbers than did PGY1 residents. Geographic location, practice/specialty area, and shift/schedule were the 3 areas of compromise most frequently mentioned when accepting a position and were the 3 areas ranked highest in terms of job importance. A survey of PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents revealed that about one sixth of respondents entering the job market were having difficulty finding a position before finishing residency training and that most respondents were satisfied with their residency experience.