Implementing 5 evidence-based learning principles into the pharmacy law course.

The overwhelming majority of states require pharmacists to pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) prior to licensure, and student performance in the pharmacy law course is the biggest predictor of success on the MPJE. However, wide variation exists regarding the structure and delivery of the pharmacy law course. Evidence-based learning strategies are well described in the literature, including: (1) practice testing, (2) distributed practice, (3) interleaved practice, (4) self-explanation, and (5) interrogative elaboration, and an opportunity may exist to implement them into the pharmacy law course. We translated these five evidence-based learning principles into practice for pharmacy law educators with specific examples. Faculty directing the pharmacy law course may consider implementing evidence-based teaching strategies into their pharmacy law course to further support student success.

Pharmacists' perceptions of pharmacy technician occupational values.

Background: Pharmacy technician scope of practice has expanded in recent years to attempt to alleviate the responsibility burden placed on pharmacists in some states. However, little research has examined the ways in which pharmacists attempt to persuade technicians to take on additional roles. Management literature has identified the importance of understanding employee values in crafting persuasive role expansion messaging. Objectives: Identify the occupational values which pharmacists believe are the most important to pharmacy technicians when attempting to craft messages aimed at increasing technician involvement in advanced roles. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists across multiple practice settings to identify how important they believe nine selected occupational values are to pharmacy technicians. Average scores for each of the nine values were calculated and examined to identify potential differences between the two overarching types of occupational values: intrinsic and extrinsic. Results: Pharmacists indicated that they believed that technicians are more extrinsically motivated than intrinsically motivated. Pharmacists believed that technicians had higher levels of extrinsic occupational values as opposed to intrinsic occupational values (3.920 vs. 3.113). The most important values to technicians as perceived by pharmacists were the income of the job and the hours of the jobs (average score of 4.85 and 4.75, respectively). The chance to be helpful to others and society was the only intrinsic value with an average score >3.5. Additionally, pharmacists indicated that technicians were not properly compensated for their work, which furthered illustrated the perceived importance of extrinsic motivators. Finally, when it came to crafting messaging around role expansion, pharmacists believed it was important to tailor their messaging to the technician they were speaking to. Conclusion: Pharmacists looking to craft role expansion messaging to their technicians are more likely to utilize extrinsic occupational values as motivators instead of using intrinsic values.

A Qualitative Approach to Investigating Developmental Opportunities Among Leaders and Followers.

Objective. To understand and identify developmental opportunities by exploring students' evolving views of leadership, including the emergence of leadership and self-identification, among students considered to be leaders and those considered to be followers.Methods. An exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted, investigating developmental differences among leaders and followers. Fourteen students/residents were selected to participate in interviews. Student responses were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.Results. In discissions, four themes surfaced: motivations for exploring and engaging in leadership, perceptions of ideal leaders and followers, the value of coalition building, and a leader's role in sustainability. Leader respondents indicated that a potential barrier to helping others develop was their difficulty in delegation. Further, stress on leaders may contribute to a self-serving perspective on their responsibilities to help others develop.Conclusion. In comparison to their leader counterparts, followers may require a more individualized approach to their development and may become more deeply attached to their responsibilities, giving them a greater desire to promote sustainability in an organization or endeavor. Schools of pharmacy should be poised to support faculty, advisors, mentors, and student leaders with the tools to identify and develop active followers who may not seek out traditional leadership experiences.

The Impact of Two Longitudinal Professionalism Courses on Student Pharmacists' Empathy.

Objective. To determine whether empathy increased in first-year student pharmacists after completing longitudinal professionalism courses at two schools of pharmacy, identify potential moderators, and assess whether students' conceptualization of empathy changed with time.Methods. Surveys to assess empathy and other variables were administered to student pharmacists at baseline and at the end of two professionalism courses. Baseline and follow-up scores were compared to detect changes over time. Multivariable analysis was used to identify predictors of empathy scores. Factor analysis was performed to ascertain changes in the dimensionality of empathy.Results. Students' demographics and baseline empathy scores differed between the two schools. Predictors of empathy at baseline included age, female gender, prior health care experience, and altruism score. A small increase in empathy was observed at one school but not in the combined cohort. Empathy was more likely to increase among female students, those with less health care experience, and those who did not work during the school year. Factor analyses suggested that students' conceptual clarity about empathy improved over time and became more consistent with existing models.Conclusion. Although an increase in empathy was not observed in the overall cohort, subgroups of students who may derive greater benefit from empathy-related interventions were identified. Factor analyses suggested that students' conceptual understanding of empathy improved, representing a potential alternative outcome assessment for affective domains. Given differences in demographics, instructional methodologies, and changes in empathy at each school, this study reinforces the importance of replication and multicenter studies to understand the generalizability of educational research.

Reporting interpersonal violence and abuse: What pharmacists need to know.

OBJECTIVE: To examine and describe the reporting requirements for pharmacists related to interpersonal violence and abuse in the United States. METHODS: A comprehensive search of state laws related to mandatory reporting of intimate partner violence and domestic violence (IPV), child abuse, and elder abuse was conducted. Identified statutes were reviewed to determine if pharmacists were mandatory reporters for each type of violence. RESULTS: Pharmacists are specifically identified as mandatory reporters of intimate partner violence in 10 states, of child abuse in 11, and of elder abuse in 20. They may also have reporting requirements in more states as statutes sometimes identify health care providers as mandatory reporters, but do not specify which types of providers. Additionally, many states require reporting of child and elder abuse by anyone who is aware of or suspects abuse. IPV statutes mainly require reporting when treating wounds from gunshots, stabbings, and burns. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists are accessible health care providers who should be aware of reporting requirements for their practice location and setting. They have mandatory reporting requirements in much of the United States, especially for child and elder abuse. They should seek specific guidance about their reporting requirements and reporting methods, as well as identify educational and local referral resources for victims they may encounter in practice.

Work Preferences and General Abilities Among US Pharmacy Technicians and Danish Pharmaconomists.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of pharmacy support personnel is increasingly recognized. Studies have evaluated workplace issues and evolving roles; however, needed information from technicians themselves is scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine preferences for work activities and the general abilities of US pharmacy technicians and Danish pharmaconomists. METHODS: Surveys were administered to random samples of US technicians in 8 states and the general population of Danish pharmaconomists. Respondents indicated their preference for involvement in a set of work activities in community or hospital pharmacy on numeric scales. They also self-assessed their level of ability on facets associated with professional practice, in general. Descriptive results were tabulated, and bivariate tests were conducted on total general abilities ratings. RESULTS: The 494 technicians and 313 pharmaconomists provided similar ratings on many activities. In community pharmacy, US technician ratings for performance of activities were generally higher than those of pharmaconomists; however, pharmaconomists rated certain "higher order" communication activities quite highly, such as discussing lifestyle changes with the patient. In hospital practice, Danish pharmaconomists provided low preferences for medication handling but high preferences for communication activities. General ability ratings were given high self-evaluations, but lower on some components, such as keeping up with the profession. Employer commitment was a strong correlate for both. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of preferred work activities and general abilities were likely reflected in different scopes of practice between the two and could be insightful for education and work redesign in both countries, particularly the United States, as leaders evaluate shifts in technician professionalization.

The Current Landscape of Veterinary Compounding in the Veterinary Setting.

Compounding for veterinarians is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but day-to-day regulation is deferred to the state authorities. Veterinarians must meet certain standards when prescribing or dispensing a compounded medication. Veterinarians are expected to maintain current knowledge of the benefit of compounded preparations and prescribe and dispense in keeping with the best evidence related to animal and human health. Whether veterinarians recognize or adhere to these standards is unknown. A self-administered survey was distributed electronically to 30,000 email addresses on record with the Veterinary International Network. The survey asked questions about the regulations and standards associated with the use of or prescription of compounded medications. Of the distributed surveys, 1,520 survey responses were received, for a 5.1% response rate. All surveys were included in the final analysis. Respondents with a higher training level in compounding had a greater perceived skill level regarding compounding of medications (r = 0.26, P<0.0001). Similarly, respondents with a higher training level had a greater knowledge of state laws and regulations (r = 0.14, P<0.0001). Those with formal training had better scores on the assessment questions than those with informal or no training (P=0.01). Approximately one-third of the respondents felt that they were not knowledgeable at all about compounding rules and regulations. The most common compounded medications used in practice by veterinarians are methimazole, metronidazole, and doxycycline. Veterinarians mostly recognized that compounding backordered, commercially available products is permitted. Formal training improves familiarity with compounding rules, regulations, and current practices. Therefore, efforts should be directed at improving veterinary knowledge of laws and regulations surrounding the practice of compounding medications.

The Current Landscape of Veterinary Compounding in the Pharmacy Setting.

Medicating animals poses unique challenges that are often best dealt with via compounding. Pharmacists receive compounding training while in pharmacy school, but this training is not veterinary specific. Pharmacists are expected to have enough knowledge to properly verify prescriptions that are received at their practice site while keeping with the most up-to-date guidelines related to animal and human health. Whether pharmacists have the proper training to verify and/or compound veterinary specific medications is unknown. A self-administered survey was distributed electronically to 4,550 email addresses on record with the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, and the Society of Veterinary Hospital Pharmacists. The survey asked questions about regulations and standards associated with the use of prescription or compounded medications. Of the 4,550 distributed surveys, 153 were received, for a 3.4% response rate. Of the responses received, only 131 were used in the final data analysis. Most respondents correctly answered the assessment question regarding the ability to compound backordered, commercially available products. A majority of respondents incorrectly answered the question regarding the proper flavoring for a medication for a ferret. Those with more training perceived themselves to have a higher level of skill (r = 0.41, P<0.001). Similarly, those with formal veterinary training had better scores on Question 4 of the assessment questions, which requires knowledge of feline toxicities (P=0.029). The most common compounded medications dispensed in practice by pharmacists are methimazole, metronidazole, and gabapentin. Pharmacists mostly recognized that compounding backordered, commercially available products is permitted. Formal training improves familiarity with current compounding rules, regulations, and best practices. Formal training in veterinary pharmacy and veterinary compounding should be promoted and encouraged. Efforts should also be made at improving pharmacists' understanding of both veterinary and compounding laws and regulations.

Autism Prevalence in the Medicaid Program and Healthcare Utilization and Costs Among Adult Enrollees Diagnosed with Autism.

As the number of individuals diagnosed with autism increases, there is an increase in demand to provide support throughout their lifespan. This study aimed to: (1) estimate trends in the prevalence of autism diagnoses and medical services use in adults with autism diagnoses; (2) assess predictors of healthcare utilization and costs among adults with autism diagnoses enrolled in Medicaid. A retrospective analysis of 2006-2008 Medicaid claims for 39 states was conducted. There was a 38% increase in the prevalence of autism diagnoses from 2006 to 2008. Total expenditures and outpatient and ER visits varied significantly by demographic variables.

Development of the Subtle ADHD Malingering Screener.

The objective of this study was to develop a subtle self-report scale-the Subtle ADHD Malingering Screener (SAMS)-to screen for malingering among individuals reporting symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study employed a cross-sectional experimental design with an ADHD group, a control group-comprising individuals without ADHD-and a malingering group-comprising individuals without ADHD who were instructed to feign ADHD in their responses. Factor analysis and psychometric testing were conducted to develop a final scale that could distinguish the malingering from the other groups. A 10-item, two-factor solution was obtained for the SAMS, with a sensitivity of 90.3% and specificity of 80.1%. The SAMS presents an innovative approach to help reduce overdiagnosis of ADHD and misuse of prescription stimulants. The efficient, straightforward form of the measure particularly enhances its potential application in both medical and psychosocial clinical settings.

The caring behaviours of Danish pharmaconomists: insight for pharmacy technician practice around the world.

OBJECTIVES: Pharmacy workforce support personnel are being accorded greater scopes of practice, especially Danish pharmaconomists [pharmacy technician, experts in pharmaceuticals with a 3-year degree]. The aims of this study were to assess pharmaconomists' caring behaviours and identify factors related to those behaviours. METHODS: A self-administered survey was distributed to a random sample of pharmaconomists in Denmark. The survey assessed caring behaviours using the Caring Behaviours Assessment and acquired data to ascertain their employers' culture, respondent's need for achievement, personality traits, commitment and work-related characteristics. Descriptive statistics provided insight into pharmacomomists' predispositions, and bivariate analyses were used to identify associations of pharmaconomists' caring with other variables under study. KEY FINDINGS: Over 300 pharmaconomists responded (52.2% response rate). Pharmaconomists reported generally high levels (well above the median on the 5-point scale) of caring behaviours. They reported higher levels (upper range of 5-point scale) of empathic behaviours, such as treating patients with respect and seeing things from the patient's point of view but somewhat lower levels of encouraging the patient to talk about how they feel and praising the patient's efforts, which could otherwise help patients cope with and improve their self-efficacy for disease management. Pharmaconomist caring was associated with practice setting, organisational culture and commitment to their employer. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmaconomists reported performing behaviours that were empathic, but less frequently those associated with facilitating greater patient autonomy. Caring behaviours were associated with a number of variables related to practice setting. The findings can help to inform educational pedagogy and pharmacy personnel management.

An evaluation of the psychometric properties of the sf-12v2 health survey among adults with hemophilia.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the psychometric properties of version 2 of the SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12v2) among adults with hemophilia in the United States. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional design using web-based and paper-based self-administered surveys. Hemophilia patients were recruited using an online panel and at a hemophilia treatment clinic. The psychometric properties of the SF-12v2 were assessed in terms of construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and presence of floor and ceiling effects. RESULTS: A total of 218 adults with hemophilia completed the survey, with most recruited via the online panel (78%). Confirmatory factor analysis using the WLSMV estimator in Mplus supported a two-factor model for the SF-12v2 where the physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, and general health items loaded onto a latent physical factor (LPF) and the role emotional, mental health, social functioning, and vitality items loaded onto a latent mental factor (LMF). Model fit statistics for the two-factor model were: Chi-square [df] = 172.778 [48]; CFI = 0.972; TLI = 0.962; RMSEA [90% CI] = 0.109 [0.092-0.127]; WRMR = 0.947. Correlated residuals for items belonging to similar domains were estimated and there was a significant correlation between LPF and LMF. All standardized factor loadings were strong and statistically significant, indicating adequate convergent validity. Item-to-other scale correlations were lower than item-to-hypothesized scale correlations suggesting good item discriminant validity. Model testing revealed that LPF and LMF were not perfectly correlated, suggesting adequate construct discriminant validity. Increasing levels of symptom severity were associated with significant decreases in physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores, supporting known-groups validity. Internal consistency reliability was satisfactory, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.848 for the LPF and 0.785 for the LMF items. Finally, none of the participants received the least or maximum possible PCS or MCS score, indicating the absence of floor and ceiling effects. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the SF-12v2 was found to have adequate psychometric validity in our sample of adults with hemophilia. These results add to the growing evidence of psychometric validity of the SF-12v2 in different patient populations including hemophilia.

Patient centered research to improve community involvement (PaRTICIpate) in diabetes self-management: a conference series for developing collaborations between researchers, stakeholders, and patients.

BACKGROUND: A patient-centered approach to research development is important to the creation of research evidence that is meaningful and beneficial to patients. Collaboration between patients, stakeholders, and researchers, where patients serve an integral role in all aspects of the research development process, is integral to achieving these twin objectives. RESULTS: This paper presents a unique approach to engaging patients and stakeholders in research by describing a conference series focused on meaningfully integrating patients in each phase of the project. Through three meeting phases, patients were not only introduced to patient-centered research (PCR) concepts, but they also led discussions about diabetes self-management and developed PCR questions. A total of 17 questions were developed represented by four main themes: communication, patient knowledge and perceptions, diabetes prevention, and diabetes management. Through patient feedback, three research questions were each identified as immediate priorities for development into research project proposals. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, the use of a conference series designed to teach patients about research, encourage collaboration across stakeholder groups, and write research questions has not been described in the literature. Moreover, this approach has proven successful in recruiting and retaining patient participation through the life of the project. This project has also identified a number of issues for consideration by future researchers looking to meaningfully engage patients in the development of research proposals.

The Professional Culture of Community Pharmacy and the Provision of MTM Services.

The integration of advanced pharmacy services into community pharmacy practice is not complete. According to implementation research understanding professional culture, as a part of context, may provide insights for accelerating this process. There are three objectives in this study. The first objective of this study was to validate an adapted version of an organizational culture measure in a sample of United States' (US) community pharmacists. The second objective was to examine potential relationships between the cultural factors identified using the validated instrument and a number of socialization and education variables. The third objective was to examine any relationships between the scores on the identified cultural factors and the provision of MTM services. This study was a cross-sectional online survey for community pharmacists in the southeastern US. The survey contained questions on socialization/education, respondents' self-reported provision of medication therapy management (MTM) services, and the organizational culture profile (OCP). Analyses included descriptive statistics, a principle components analysis (PCA), independent samples t-test, and multivariate ordinal regression. A total of 303 surveys were completed. The PCA revealed a six-factor structure: social responsibility, innovation, people orientation, competitiveness, attention to detail, and reward orientation. Further analysis revealed significant relationships between social responsibility and years in practice, and people orientation and attention to detail and pharmacists' training and practice setting. Significant positive relationships were observed between social responsibility, innovation, and competitiveness and the increased provision of MTM services. The significant relationships identified between the OCP factors and community pharmacist respondents' provision of MTM services provides an important starting point for developing interventions to improve the uptake of practice change opportunities.

Pharmacy technician self-efficacies: Insight to aid future education, staff development, and workforce planning.

BACKGROUND: The roles of pharmacy technicians are increasingly prominent given pharmacy's transition to patient-centered activities and evolving scopes of practice in many U.S. states and throughout the world. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess U.S. pharmacy technicians' self-efficacies for and attitudes toward performing current and emerging roles in hospital and in community pharmacy and to identify factors related to pharmacy technician self-efficacies in these roles. METHODS: A total of 5000 pharmacy technicians from 8 U.S. states were sent an electronic survey eliciting data on current involvement, self-efficacies, and attitudes for practicing in an expansive list of practice activities. The 8 states from which the sample was drawn were selected from a stratified randomized procedure using U.S. Census Bureau geographically defined regions. Pre-notification and response reminders were employed. Data were analyzed descriptively and with univariate, inferential tests, as appropriate, to determine associations with commitment, practice environment, experience level, and other variables. RESULTS: Of the 612 participants who responded, 494 were currently working as a technician and not enrolled in a PharmD program of study. Participants reported various activities in which they were highly engaged. Overall, attitudes toward performing most of the activities and self-efficacies were quite favorable, even for those activities in which technicians were currently less involved. There were some notable differences between technicians practicing in community versus hospital settings. Years of experience, profession commitment, and advanced employee ranking were associated with higher levels of self-efficacy, overall. CONCLUSIONS: This initial examination of pharmacy technician self-efficacies identified areas that along with other factors could help employers with further expanding technician practice activities and vocational institutions with considerations for education and development of these key members of the workforce. The results would suggest technicians to be ready for continued evolution in their practice.

Results of the 2015 National Certified Pharmacy Technician Workforce Survey.

PURPOSE: The results of the 2015 National Certified Pharmacy Technician Workforce Survey are described. METHODS: A survey was e-mailed to a randomized sample of 5,000 certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) throughout the United States, with response reminders employed. Survey items eliciting demographic and work characteristics and work life attitudes were generated from the literature and qualitative interviews. This study aimed to describe job satisfaction, sources of stress, profession and employer commitment, education and training, and reasons for entry into the profession among CPhTs and determine relationships between those variables and CPhTs' level of involvement in various work activities, with particular attention paid to differences in practice setting. Frequency statistics, correlation analysis, and means testing were used to meet study objectives and identify significant differences. RESULTS: A total of 516 CPhTs currently working as a pharmacy technician responded to the survey. The CPhTs reported high levels of involvement in more traditional activities but less involvement in those that involve greater cognitive load. Respondents reported moderate levels of job satisfaction and commitment and somewhat high levels of stress overall. Most CPhTs chose to be a pharmacy technician because they desired to enter a healthcare field and help people and were recruited. CPhTs derived benefit from all aspects of education and training evaluated and most from on-the-job training. Perceived value of education and training was associated with higher satisfaction and commitment and with lower stress. There were a number of differences in these work life attitudes across practice settings and by involvement in various job functions. CONCLUSION: The results of the survey indicated that job satisfaction and commitment were moderate and that stress levels were somewhat high among CPhTs. There were a number of differences in work life attitudes across practice settings and by involvement in various job activities.

Components of a Measure to Describe Organizational Culture in Academic Pharmacy.

Objective. To develop a measure of organizational culture in academic pharmacy and identify characteristics of an academic pharmacy program that would be impactful for internal (eg, students, employees) and external (eg, preceptors, practitioners) clients of the program. Methods. A three-round Delphi procedure of 24 panelists from pharmacy schools in the U.S. and Canada generated items based on the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP), which were then evaluated and refined for inclusion in subsequent rounds. Items were assessed for appropriateness and impact. Results. The panel produced 35 items across six domains that measured organizational culture in academic pharmacy: competitiveness, performance orientation, social responsibility, innovation, emphasis on collegial support, and stability. Conclusion. The items generated require testing for validation and reliability in a large sample to finalize this measure of organizational culture.

Pharmacists' Perceptions of the Economic Value of Compounded Pharmaceuticals: A Comparison of Compounded and Commercial Pharmaceuticals in Select Disease States.

Studies have been conducted to assess patient satisfaction with compounded pharmaceuticals and to directly compare compounded pharmaceuticals with their comparable commercial pharmaceuticals. Yet, the economic value of or potential for economic value derived from compounded pharmaceuticals relative to commercial pharmaceuticals is still not known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess and compare compounding and non-compounding pharmacists' perceptions of the economic value of compounded preparations relative to commercial products. In-depth interviews with 10 compounding pharmacists and physicians who prescribe compounded prescription pharmaceutical preparations were conducted to help develop a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 50 compounding and 50 non-compounding pharmacists. Compounding and non-compounding pharmacists' perceptions differed most often in the context of compounded pharmaceuticals for pediatric patients. However, both groups responded with moderate agreement that compounded prescription treatments are more profitable for the pharmacy than commercial prescription treatments in most therapeutic areas. This research sought to understand the perception of pharmacists of areas for potential direct and indirect economic cost savings as a result of compounding. For all items whereby compounding and non-compounding pharmacists' ratings were significantly different, compounding pharmacists more strongly believed that compounding pharmaceuticals offered benefit and vice versa. The differences in ratings that were most common were those that directly compared the economic value of compounding and commercial pharmaceuticals, with compounding pharmacists more strongly agreeing with the potential cost savings associated with compounded pharmaceuticals. Based on these findings, prescription compounds are believed to have a benefit to the health system by those who provide them. Future research should proactively explore the economic benefit of compounded preparations compared to conventionally manufactured products to determine the economic value of compounded pharmaceuticals for patients, pharmacies, physicians, and the healthcare system.

Pharmacists' perspectives on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

BACKGROUND: Passed in 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) resulted in significant changes to the health care system in the United States (US). Though general population surveys reveal the fractious political debate surrounding the law, insights on pharmacists' perspectives on the PPACA are lacking in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine pharmacists' perspectives on the PPACA and determine whether pharmacists' demographic and practice-related characteristics and political beliefs influence their perspectives on the PPACA. METHODS: This study was conducted using a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Study data were collected with a self-administered online questionnaire distributed to 21,769 registered pharmacists in five states. RESULTS: A total of 1127 completed surveys were received (5.6% response rate). Roughly 37% of pharmacists reported that they understood the major provisions of the PPACA although most (89%) respondents agreed that understanding such policies is important for practicing pharmacy. Just over half (50.6%) of respondents did not support the PPACA while 47.7% supported the legislation. Political orientation, age, gender, and race were found to be significantly related to pharmacists' perspectives on the PPACA. CONCLUSION: Respondent pharmacists' perceptions of the PPACA appear to be related to political orientation and demographic characteristics. Given that pharmacists will be impacted by the implementation of the PPACA and are so accessible to the public, additional information on health care policy and PPACA should be provided to pharmacists.

Student pharmacists' perceptions of community pharmacy residency programs.

OBJECTIVES: To compare penultimate-year (next-to-last) and final-year student pharmacists' perceptions of the educational value of community pharmacy residency programs (CPRPs) and to compare student pharmacists' perceptions of the educational value of CPRPs and health-system residency programs (HSRPs). METHODS: A self-administered online survey was sent to administrators at 119 Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education-accredited schools of pharmacy for ultimate distribution to penultimate- and final-year student pharmacists. The survey included demographic measures and a 20-item residency program "perceived value of skill development" scale developed for this study. RESULTS: 1,722 completed surveys were received and analyzed. Penultimate-year students attributed greater value to CPRPs more frequently than final-year students. Students more often attributed higher value to CPRPs for skills related to business management, practice management, and medication therapy management, while they attributed higher value to HSRPs for skills related to teaching, research, and clinical knowledge. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest students' perceived value of CPRPs may be related to their year of pharmacy school and the pharmacy practice skill in question.