Exploring Structures and Processes Supporting Interprofessional Education During Experiential Learning Placements for Student Pharmacists.

OBJECTIVE: To explore stakeholder views on the structures and processes supporting planned and unplanned interprofessional education (IPE) during experiential learning (EL) placements for student pharmacists in Scotland. METHODS: Online semistructured group interviews were conducted with academic staff, practice educators, and EL facilitators (preceptors). Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Systems theory underpinned the study. Ethical approval was granted by the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences Ethics Review Committee at Robert Gordon University. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: current IPE delivery and context, factors affecting IPE delivery and student pharmacist learning, and rethinking current IPE provision. Stakeholder views provided valuable insights into presage factors relating to contextual elements (cultural, logistical, regulatory) and their influence on IPE delivery and interprofessional learning. EL facilitator and student pharmacist characteristics were also highlighted as influencing factors; process factors included examples of planned and unplanned IPE experiences on offer in community, hospital, primary care, and specialist areas of pharmacy practice; product factors highlighted the importance of IPE to support the development of collaborative competencies. Future developments need to focus on a continuum of IPE learning and a coordinated approach between higher education institutions and placement providers and interprofessional practice teams. CONCLUSION: Curricular development and implementation of new IPE is not without its challenges. This study has provided a strong foundation that will inform future developments to ensure new initiatives are conducive to supporting effective interprofessional learning during placements.

A cross-sectional study examining the nature and extent of interprofessional education in schools of pharmacy in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education can prepare the workforce for collaborative practice in complex health and social care systems. AIM: To examine the nature and extent of interprofessional education in schools of pharmacy in the United Kingdom. METHOD: An online questionnaire was developed using systems theory, published literature and input from an interprofessional expert panel; it included closed and open-ended questions and a demographic section. Following piloting, it was distributed to 31 schools of pharmacy. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and a content analysis approach for qualitative data. RESULTS: Ten schools of pharmacy responded. All reported delivering compulsory interprofessional education. Most (80%) reported an interprofessional steering group overseeing development. Formative and/or summative assessment varied depending on year of study. Mechanism and purpose of evaluation varied with respondents reporting Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model Levels 1-3 (100%; 80%; 70%). Two themes were identified: "Variation in Interprofessional Education Approaches and Opportunities" and "Factors Influencing Development and Implementation of Interprofessional Education". Formal teaching was mainly integrated into other modules; various pedagogic approaches and topics were used for campus-based activities. Respondents referred to planned interprofessional education during practice-based placements; some still at pilot stage. Overall, respondents agreed that practice-based placements offered opportunistic interprofessional education, but a more focused approach is needed to maximise student pharmacists' learning potential. CONCLUSION: Most interprofessional education offered in undergraduate pharmacy curricula in the United Kingdom is campus-based; the nature and extent of which varies between programmes. Very few examples of practice-based activities were reported. Results may inform future interprofessional education curricular development.

Developing, piloting and evaluating a Medicines Safety School Programme to be delivered by student pharmacists.

INTRODUCTION: This project aimed to develop content, pilot delivery, and evaluate effectiveness of an innovative Medicines Safety School Programme delivered by student pharmacists to primary school pupils. METHODS: A collaborative approach between academic staff and a primary school guided programme content. The interactive workshop focused on benefits of medicines when used correctly and harmful effects associated with misuse. Delivery was piloted by academic staff in this same school. Following the pilot, student pharmacists delivered the programme to primary school children. A post-placement online survey explored student pharmacists' views on how involvement supported their professional development. RESULTS: The pilot was delivered to 72 pupils between eight- and nine-years-old. Results from pre- and post-workshop surveys completed by pupils showed an increased understanding post-workshop of the benefits and potential risks associated with medicines. Post-workshop evaluations completed by class teachers rated the workshop as excellent in aspects such as presentation of the topic and effective linking to school and national curricula. Seventy-seven student pharmacists were involved in delivering the programme to 296 primary school children. Results of a post-placement online survey showed that student pharmacists felt that completing this placement had benefited their professional development and increased their confidence when interacting with young children. CONCLUSIONS: The Medicines Safety School Programme has been well received by the pupils, school staff, and student pharmacists involved in the pilot study. Development of the programme is ongoing and is now progressing to embed this innovative educational initiative into the pharmacy undergraduate curriculum.