Residency scramble: program directors' experiences with the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Residency program directors' perceptions of the scramble process in 2013 using the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) were evaluated. METHODS: After the ASHP Resident Matching Program ("Match") results were released in 2013, programs were asked to not extend offers to applicants until the following Monday, allowing a week for programs and applicants to evaluate their options and make the best decisions. A survey consisting of open-ended and structured response questions was sent electronically to 1905 program directors. Adherence to the recommended one-week moratorium before extending an offer to applicants for unmatched positions was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 531 completed surveys were returned (28.2% response rate). Programs with 119 of the 133 unmatched postgraduate year 1 positions were represented in the results. The ma jority of directors were satisfied with the use of PhORCAS overall, rating it easier (60.3%) or at least the same (24.8%) as processes used in the past. Programs with unmatched positions thought using PhORCAS made it easier to fill positions (64.5%). Sixty percent of program directors contacted applicants the week after the Match. Most directors (79%) followed the recommendation of waiting until April 1 or later to make offers; however, 49% thought others did not follow the guidelines. Program directors offered many concerns about the stressful nature of the scramble process and offered several recommendations for improvement. CONCLUSION: Residency program directors found that the use of PhORCAS and guidelines from the ASHP Commission on Credentialing improved the scramble process and facilitated the filling of unmatched residency positions.