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All pharmacists are expected to accurately perform pharmaceutical calculations to ensure patient safety. In recent years, there have been trends in declining performance on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination related to calculations. Understanding the cause of this decline and determining methods to correct underlying issues could benefit pharmacy administration, faculty, students, and patients. The aims of this commentary are to present the factors impacting the students' pharmaceutical calculations abilities, discuss the consequences of declining math skills, and provide a call to action for scholarship of teaching and learning pertaining to calculations, as well as increased administrative support to rectify this challenge.
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OBJECTIVE: Pharmacy preceptors play a role in helping learners form professional identities during experiential education. However, it is not clear what specific roles and precepting strategies best foster professional identity formation (PIF). The objective of this study was to explore how preceptors support pharmacy learner PIF. METHODS: This qualitative study used an interpretative descriptive approach. Preceptors from 5 experiential education programs were recruited using purposive sampling for individual semistructured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed by thematic analysis. Team members used a reflective and iterative approach for data analysis and generation of themes. RESULTS: A total of 22 participants were interviewed from various pharmacy practice settings and precept a range of learners, including introductory pharmacy practice experiences, advanced pharmacy practice experiences, and residents. Four main themes were identified to support pharmacy leaner PIF: making learners part of the practice and team, preparing learners to assume the role of a pharmacist, helping learners navigate emotions during practice experiences, and supporting learners in finding the right fit within the profession. Specific precepting strategies associated with each theme were identified. CONCLUSION: Preceptors play an important role in supporting learners in thinking and acting as professionals while also helping navigate emotional experiences that may impact PIF and having conversations to help define learner's future aspirations of the pharmacist they want to become. Strategies identified can inform curricular approaches and preceptor development that intentionally supports PIF.
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INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to describe the workload responsibilities and job satisfaction of skills laboratory faculty, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: School of pharmacy (SOP) skills laboratory faculty were surveyed in fall 2021 to gather information on workload responsibilities and job satisfaction, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quantitative data were reported using descriptive statistics and, when appropriate, student t-tests were used to compare responses from before and during COVID-19. Qualitative data were coded for themes by two investigators with a third investigator used to reach consensus. RESULTS: A total of 45 skills laboratory faculty from 44 of 142 SOP responded to the survey. Faculty reported an average percent effort of 43.9% laboratory teaching, 13.9% non-laboratory teaching, 12.8% service, 6.5% administration, 12.5% patient care, and 10.4% scholarship. Overall job satisfaction decreased from before COVID-19 to during COVID-19, and faculty members' satisfaction specifically with their laboratory role decreased from 7.5 to 6.6 (P = .003). Several themes were identified when respondents described what they loved most about teaching in the laboratory as well as the challenges associated, the majority of which were personnel, resources, and time. CONCLUSIONS: Skills laboratory faculty reported a high number of laboratory courses coordinated each year along with many hours dedicated each week to prepare and conduct skills laboratory activities. While the pandemic is over, the unique aspects of coordinating student-centered courses likely requires more support for skills laboratory faculty members to avoid burnout and improve job satisfaction.
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Esgotamento Profissional , COVID-19 , Humanos , Pandemias , Docentes , Carga de TrabalhoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Pharmacy skills development is essential to pharmacy programs to ensure "practice-ready" graduates. The objective was to describe the landscape of skills laboratory (lab) courses and faculty workload across United States schools and colleges of pharmacy (S/COP). METHODS: The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Laboratory Instructors Special Interest Group disseminated an anonymous questionnaire to collect faculty demographics, skills lab format, faculty workload, and job satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were generated, and paired t-tests were used to assess changes before and during COVID-19. RESULTS: Faculty from 44 of 142 S/COP responded. Participants (n = 45) were more frequently assistant professors (49%), non-tenure track (80%), and female (98%). A mean of 103 students per class, with a mean of two lab courses in both the first and second years and 1.6 in the third year were reported. Courses had a mean 1.6 lab coordinators each. Many institutions leverage non-lab faculty, pharmacy volunteers, post-graduate trainees, and senior professional students to assist. Faculty reported a mean 28.2 hours per week related to lab activities. The mean assigned percent effort was 44% for teaching in the skills lab, demonstrating consistency with effort calculations. Job satisfaction (scale 1-10) decreased from 7.6 before COVID-19 to 6.4 during COVID-19 (P < .01), with satisfaction specifically with their lab role decreasing from 7.5 to 6.6 (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Skills lab faculty reported significant time coordinating labs and identified the need for additional support. S/COP should ensure appropriate personnel resources are available to provide quality clinical skills training.
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COVID-19 , Educação em Farmácia , Farmácia , Humanos , Feminino , Estados Unidos , Carga de Trabalho , DocentesRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop and assess an easily accessible interprofessional mobile web application to assist preceptors with challenging teaching and learning situations. METHODS: Phase 1 was a modified Delphi process of 48 advanced practice nursing, dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy preceptors to determine the content of the application. Phase 2 consisted of 12 preceptors from the 4 disciplines piloting a prototype to refine the tool using design-thinking principles. Feedback was analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis. Phase 3 evaluated the impact of the final tool on 80 preceptors' satisfaction, knowledge, self-efficacy, and perception of behavior change. RESULTS: Consensus on 10 topics was reached in the following 3 themes: feedback and communication, clinical and professional development of learners, and precepting efficiency. Preceptors rated the tool as efficient and applicable. Features perceived as useful included concise and applicable content that was easy to navigate with practical video examples. Features to improve included academic jargon, length of content, and lack of connectivity with other preceptors. Knowledge and self-efficacy improved after the use of the refined tool. Change in perceptions of behavior after 1 month was mixed, with a significant change in accessing resources to address challenging situations and regularly reflecting on challenging situations and no significant change in awareness, frequency, or success in managing challenging situations. CONCLUSION: An interprofessional mobile web application for challenging teaching and learning situations developed through a modified Delphi process was deemed efficient and relevant and demonstrated positive knowledge and self-efficacy change.
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Educação em Farmácia , Aplicativos Móveis , Humanos , Aprendizagem , Comunicação , ConsensoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a brief suicide prevention training with an interactive video case (Pharm-SAVES) improves student pharmacists' suicide prevention knowledge and self-efficacy. METHODS: Student pharmacists (N = 146) from 2 United States universities completed the 75-minute Pharm-SAVES training in September 2021. Suicide prevention knowledge and self-efficacy were measured via an online pre-test and post-test, and a post-test interactive video case assessed self-efficacy to engage in SAVES steps (recognize Signs, Ask about suicide, Validate feelings, Expedite a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [NSPL] referral, and Set a follow-up reminder). Paired samples t tests compared pre-test and post-test scores (alpha = 0.05). Three months later, students indicated if they had used Pharm-SAVES in practice. RESULTS: Mean knowledge and self-efficacy significantly improved from pre-test to post-test. The interactive video case assessment revealed that students were least confident asking about suicide, moderately confident referring to or calling the NSPL on behalf of patients, and most confident following up with patients. Three months later, 17 (11.6%) students reported that they had recognized someone with suicide warning signs (S in SAVES). Among them, 9 (52.9%) reported asking the person with warning signs if they were considering suicide (A in SAVES), 13 (76.5%) validated feelings (V in SAVES), 3 (9.4%) called the NSPL for the patient, and 6 (35.3%) referred to the NSPL (E in SAVES). CONCLUSION: Pharm-SAVES increased student pharmacists' suicide prevention knowledge and self-efficacy. Within 3 months, more than 10% had used Pharm-SAVES skills with at-risk individuals. All Pharm-SAVES content is now online and available for asynchronous or synchronous instruction.
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Educação em Farmácia , Suicídio , Humanos , Farmacêuticos , Estudantes , Prevenção do Suicídio , Gravação de VideoteipeRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Student well-being is a growing area of interest, though existing literature assessing multiple areas of well-being is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the well-being of pharmacy students corresponding to three well-being domains (physical health, mental health, personal well-being and burnout) and identify characteristics associated with these domains. METHODS: An online survey adapted from various instruments was disseminated to pharmacy students from 11 pharmacy programs. Survey responses were compared using basic descriptive statistics, and Pearson's chi-Square was used for association analyses. RESULTS: Eight hundred thirty-six students from responded to the survey (24.3% response rate). For physical health, 59.3% of students reported sleeping <7 hours per night and 60.4% reported exercising 1 to 5 hours per week. For mental health, 24.8% of students screened positive for depression and 42% screened positive for anxiety. Lastly, 65.9% of students were at risk for decreased well-being and 63.7% for burnout. Based on association analyses, gender and pharmacy year were associated with screening positive for anxiety and burnout, gender was associated with decreased well-being, and relationship status was associated with screening positive for depression. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed pharmacy students are at risk for lack of sleep and exercise, depression or anxiety, decreased well-being, and burnout. Also, several characteristics were found to be associated with these negative well-being outcomes. Although response rate and participant demographics could impact the generalizability of these findings, findings further increase awareness about student well-being and inform pharmacy programs supporting well-being by better understanding student risks.
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Esgotamento Profissional , Estudantes de Farmácia , Humanos , Saúde Mental , Estudantes de Farmácia/psicologia , Ansiedade/diagnóstico , Esgotamento Profissional/psicologia , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Objective. To describe the landscape of well-being content inclusion across schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Canada through identification of content implementation, incorporation, and assessment.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all accredited schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States (n=143) and Canada (n=10). Survey questions included curricular and cocurricular timing, frequency, assessment strategies, and support for well-being initiatives, using a framework of eight dimensions (pillars) of wellness to categorize content.Results. Descriptive data analyses were applied to 99 completed surveys (65%), 89 (62%) in the United States and 10 (100%) in Canada. Well-being content was most prevalent within the cocurricular realm and incorporated into didactic and elective more than experiential curricula. The most content came from intellectual, emotional, and physical pillars, and the least content came from financial, spiritual, and environmental pillars. Less than 50% of schools and colleges of pharmacy include well-being within their strategic plans or core values. Funding is primarily at the level of the university (59%) or the school or college of pharmacy (59%). Almost half of respondents reported inclusion of some assessment, with a need for more training, expertise, and standardization.Conclusion. Survey results revealed a wide range of implementation and assessment of well-being programs across the United States and Canada. These results provide a reference point for the state of well-being programs that can serve as a call to action and research across the Academy.
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Educação em Farmácia , Estudantes de Farmácia , Humanos , Estados Unidos , Educação em Farmácia/métodos , Estudos Transversais , Faculdades de Farmácia , Currículo , Inquéritos e Questionários , CanadáRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Health care professionals are required to interact with increasingly diverse cultural groups and complexity of culture. The purpose of this study was to design and disseminate an online cultural communication module for use by pharmacy students across three countries. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Three pharmacy schools from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom developed 18 role-play videos demonstrating interactions between pharmacists and patients from diverse cultural groups. Videos were incorporated into an online module and implemented within each school's existing skills laboratory and/or communication curricula in 2019. Students completed a survey and a reflection at the module's end. Open-ended responses were analyzed qualitatively using an inductive approach. FINDINGS: Ninety-five percent of students (n = 500) across the three schools attempted the module. A total of 89% agreed the videos were useful in helping them understand the language and terms relating to cultural awareness in pharmacy, and 90% agreed the module helped them learn approaches to communicate with culturally diverse people in pharmacy. However, some students found the module lengthy and experienced technical issues with the platform. The majority of students identified awareness of cultural differences, respect for patient, and a person-centered approach as important when communicating with patients. SUMMARY: There is a growing need for appropriate training models to enhance cross-cultural skills and cultural awareness in health care professional training such as pharmacy. Collaborating internationally to develop a teaching innovation focused on widening understanding of culture and added to the depth of learning.
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Assistência Farmacêutica , Estudantes de Farmácia , Comunicação , Currículo , Humanos , Idioma , Estados UnidosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Historically, pharmacy skills laboratory courses have primarily been delivered utilizing in-person instruction; however, changes in methods of healthcare delivery serve as a catalyst to consider best practices for virtual learning in the skills laboratory setting. PERSPECTIVE: Shifting to a virtual delivery method is valuable for future curriculum and course development. Three specific delivery methods including flipped classroom, virtual formative simulations, and telehealth objective structured clinical examinations, provide examples of the opportunities and challenges instructors may encounter when shifting delivery methods. Furthermore, the examples illuminate the need to deliberately incorporate virtual technology into pharmacy skills laboratory courses to ensure students are practice-ready for the changing methods of delivery in the healthcare environment. IMPLICATIONS: Skills laboratory instructors and students must reimagine how patient care skills can be taught and assessed. It is imperative to reassess priorities and adapt skills-based courses to incorporate the virtual learning environment to prepare student pharmacists for future practice.
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Laboratórios , Farmácia , Currículo , Humanos , Aprendizagem , EstudantesRESUMO
Objective. To examine the impact of pre-class concept mapping activities on pharmacy students' ability to self-assess their degree of foundational disease state knowledge and predict their pre-class quiz performance.Methods. Second year pharmacy students in a problem-based learning course were responsible for self-directed learning of foundational knowledge for 14 disease states. After completing their independent pre-class reading, students worked in groups to create concept maps for which feedback was provided for four laboratory sessions, worked in groups to create concept maps but received no formal feedback for three laboratory sessions, and did not engage in any formal group activity for seven laboratory sessions. The day following each session, prior to the formal in-class discussion, students were asked to predict the number of questions they could answer correctly on a quiz covering foundational knowledge and then completed the quiz. Quiz performance was compared based on the three conditions, and bias and absolute bias were calculated to evaluate students' metacognitive skills.Results. There was no difference in pharmacy students' metacognition based on the conditions, as reflected by inaccuracy between predicted and actual quiz scores. However, when students had engaged in concept mapping the previous day, their quiz performance was significantly higher than when they had not.Conclusion. Concept mapping did not improve pharmacy students' metacognitive skills but did have a small effect on their quiz performance. More research is needed to tease apart the roles of concept mapping, group activity, and feedback in altering pharmacy students' quiz performance and metacognitive skills.
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Educação em Farmácia , Metacognição , Estudantes de Farmácia , Compreensão , Avaliação Educacional , HumanosRESUMO
During the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools quickly transitioned their teaching and assessment strategies to online formats. In Spring 2020, a 3-station remote Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was implemented for first-year pharmacy students. The day following the remote OSCEs students answered three open-text prompts about the remote OSCE experience: (1) "I liked...", (2) "I learned ", and (3) "I suggest ". Responses were open-coded and frequency counts were calculated to determine the most prevalent codes. Concept maps were created to visualize and explore connections between the codes. Out of 157 students, 156 students completed the reflection assignment, a 99.36% response rate. The three major themes in the Liked data were: Logistics (n = 65, 41.7%), Differences In-person Versus Remote (n = 59, 37.8%), and Skill Development (n = 43, 27.6%). The three major themes in the Learned data were: Technology (n = 66, 42.3%), Communication (n = 58, 37.2%), and Skill Development (n = 56, 35.9%). The three major themes in the Suggest data were: Logistics (n = 89, 57.1%), Technology (n = 31, 19.9%), and Continuation of Remote OSCE (n = 31, 19.9%). Overall, the remote OSCE experience was well-received, and students described it as applicable to their future pharmacy practice. Future work should explore the design, implementation, and outcomes of remote OSCEs.
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INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of implementing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum on student pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and empathy towards people with mental health conditions and/or crises. METHODS: Participants were third-year PharmD students enrolled in Patient Care Experience, a required communication and ethics course. A survey was administered pre- and post-intervention (i.e. MHFA training). Student pharmacist self-efficacy in assisting someone developing a mental health condition or in crisis was evaluated using confidence measures from the MHFA action plan. Knowledge was measured using Mental Health Knowledge Statements. Attitudes were assessed with the Index of Attitudes Towards Mental Illness, and stigma was evaluated using the Social Distancing Scale. Empathy was measured with the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale. RESULTS: Both pre- and post-intervention surveys were completed by 97 of 135 participants (71.9% response rate). MHFA training resulted in significantly increased self-efficacy and empathy. There were no significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and stigma. CONCLUSIONS: MHFA training was associated with increases in student pharmacist empathy and self-efficacy in providing support to individuals with mental health crises.
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Farmacêuticos , Farmácia , Currículo , Primeiros Socorros , Humanos , Saúde MentalRESUMO
Concept maps are graphical representations of how various concepts relate to one another. Assessment of concept maps developed by students in the pharmacy curriculum helps to evaluate student understanding of course material. However, providing feedback on concept maps can be time-consuming and often requires the grader to be a content expert. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a software program to provide students with feedback on their concept map performance. Student maps for four different disease states were compared against expert concept maps. The analysis of the program compared favorably to a manual assessment of student maps for the maps' complexity and content but did not correlate for their organization. The value of using a software program to quickly and efficiently analyze concept maps is discussed.
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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Empathy is a component of emotional intelligence that is critical for healthcare professionals. Intentional learning activities utilizing social media platforms were developed to enhance student growth in self-efficacy of empathy and to assess how the incorporation of social media impacts pharmacy students' empathy and self-efficacy through self-reflection. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Activities utilizing social media were implemented in a pharmacy skills lab course. This included following a social media story, focused classroom instruction, and writing personal reflections. Initial surveys assessed baseline empathy and self-efficacy. Post and "think back" surveys at the end of the semester re-assessed empathy and self-efficacy. Reflection assignments were designed to allow students to further self-reflect, and their responses provided qualitative data. FINDINGS: Data was analyzed for 138 students in the fall semester of study year 1 (SY1) and 111 students in the fall semester of study year 2 (SY2). Overall, student empathy significantly decreased in both study years. However, student self-efficacy demonstrated a non-significant increase in SY1 and a significant increase in SY2. The "think-back" survey results demonstrated a significant increase in total self-efficacy for nine of the ten individual constructs. Qualitative findings supported perceived areas of growth. SUMMARY: Although challenging to develop and assess empathy, social media can be an avenue for empathy skill development. This approach can easily be adapted by other schools of pharmacy and health professional programs to further develop self-efficacy regarding empathy.
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Educação em Farmácia/métodos , Empatia , Autoeficácia , Mídias Sociais/instrumentação , Adulto , Currículo/tendências , Educação em Farmácia/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Mídias Sociais/estatística & dados numéricos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Objective. To optimize student pharmacists' long-term retention of brand and generic drug names through spacing and modification of quiz format. Methods. In three experiments, student pharmacists learned brand and generic names for the Top 200 medications taught in a self-paced course. The students completed two spaced quizzes on the course content, a final examination, and a measure of long-term retention administered several weeks after the course was completed. Experiment 1 examined the spacing of quiz 2 relative to quiz 1 and the final examination. Experiment 2 examined whether providing hints such as giving the first 3 letters of the paired associate impacted learning. Experiment 3 examined whether providing more elaborate context improved student retention. Results. When quiz 2 was administered closer to quiz 1 but further from the final examination (expanding practice), students' long-term knowledge retention was greatest. When the first three letters of the paired associate were provided, students' long-term retention decreased. When more elaborative context was provided within the quizzes, students' long-term retention was unaffected despite higher final examination performance. Conclusion. Making retrieval of concepts easier reduces pharmacy students' long-term knowledge retention, albeit only a small effect was seen in this study. In addition, providing more elaborative context in terms of drug class and indication during retrieval did not improve students' learning.
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Educação em Farmácia/métodos , Avaliação Educacional/métodos , Humanos , Aprendizagem , Retenção Psicológica , Estudantes de Farmácia , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Objective. To describe the development and implementation of an innovative, comprehensive, multi-day module focused on assessing and providing feedback on student cognitive and interpersonal skill development and practice readiness after the first year (PY1) of a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum. Methods. A multi-day capstone assessment was developed to evaluate first-year students' knowledge of course content, ability to find and apply information, and interpersonal skills, including teamwork and adaptability. The PY1 Capstone consisted of four parts. Knowledge was assessed using 130 multiple-choice items on first-year course content and 50 fill-in-the-blank items on Top 200 brand and generic drug names. The ability to find and apply information was assessed using a 45-question open-book test. Interpersonal skills were assessed using a specially designed multiple mini-interview (MMI). The final part of the assessment was a debriefing session that provided rapid-cycle feedback on capstone performance and a bridge between students' recently completed first-year coursework and an upcoming 2-month experiential immersion. Results. The average score on the closed-book and open-book assessments were 75% and 68%, respectively. Most students displayed satisfactory interpersonal skills based on the MMI. Students viewed the assessment positively based on post-assessment survey responses (>75%). Most students (98%) reported not studying for the assessment, indicating that the results should reflect students' retention of knowledge and skills. Conclusion. The capstone assesses students on knowledge and skills and provides students with feedback on areas to focus on during their early immersion. Continued work is needed to ensure the process is transparent and cost-effective.
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Currículo/normas , Educação em Farmácia/métodos , Avaliação Educacional/métodos , Avaliação Educacional/normas , Educação em Farmácia/organização & administração , Educação em Farmácia/normas , Educação em Farmácia/tendências , Retroalimentação , Feminino , Feedback Formativo , Humanos , Masculino , Desenvolvimento de Programas , Habilidades Sociais , Estudantes de FarmáciaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Laboratory-based courses often require more manpower than faculty can provide to facilitate active learning activities in the classroom as well as skills-based assessments. PERSPECTIVE: Pharmacy and graduate student and resident teaching assistants (TAs) can be incorporated into laboratory-based courses to help meet this need. Before using student and resident TAs in laboratory-based courses, a number of items need to be considered. This paper will discuss how to recruit, train, and evaluate student and resident TAs. It will also detail the benefits to the faculty, the students in the classroom, and the TAs themselves. Finally, lessons learned from five schools of pharmacy who use student and/or resident TAs will be shared. IMPLICATIONS: Schools of pharmacy should implement a formalized process for utilizing student and resident TAs in laboratory-based courses especially where faculty manpower limitations exist.
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Competência Clínica/normas , Docentes/educação , Pessoal de Laboratório/educação , Capacitação de Professores/métodos , Competência Clínica/estatística & dados numéricos , Currículo/tendências , Docentes/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Pessoal de Laboratório/tendências , Desenvolvimento de Programas/métodos , Desenvolvimento de Programas/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudantes de Farmácia/estatística & dados numéricos , Capacitação de Professores/tendênciasRESUMO
OUR SITUATION: The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education outlines ability statements that pharmacy students should be able to demonstrate prior to beginning their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). Practice laboratory courses offer extensive opportunities for students to participate in activities and assessments that enable them to meet the objectives outlined in the Pre-APPE Core Domains in Standards 2016. This review identifies selected published literature, activities, and assessment methods that can be adapted and implemented in practice laboratory courses to help achieve the abilities outlined within the Pre-APPE Core Domains. METHODOLOGICAL LITERATURE REVIEW: The Medline database and journals related to pharmacy education were searched to identify activities and assessments for each domain. Search terms for each core domain were extracted from the domain titles, ability statements, and performance competencies and coupled with "laboratory" or "lab." "Pharmacy" was also added as a search term when searching the Medline database. Preference was given to example activities published in the last 15 years. Abstracts and activities based on author experience were also included. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS: Specific examples of how activities and assessments can be included in practice laboratories to develop or refresh skills identified in the pre-APPE core domains were described. POTENTIAL IMPACT: The practice laboratory setting is an ideal place for students to learn and practice the skills necessary to demonstrate readiness for APPEs. This paper serves as a resource for instructors, curriculum committees, or pharmacy programs looking for ideas to expand specific training or develop particular skill areas.
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Currículo/tendências , Educação em Farmácia/métodos , Humanos , Segurança do Paciente , Preceptoria/métodos , Faculdades de Farmácia/organização & administraçãoRESUMO
Objective. To test the impact of schedules of retrieval practice on learning brand and generic name drug information in a self-paced course. Methods. Students completed weekly quizzes on brand and generic name conversions for 100 commonly prescribed drugs. Each student completed part of the drug list on a schedule of equal, expanding, or contracting spacing, one practice (massed) or study only in a partial block design. Results. On measures of long-term retention, the contracting spacing schedule led to superior retention (67%) compared to the massed practice (50%) and study-only condition (46%); contracting practice also was significantly higher than expanding practice (58%,) or equal practice (59%). Overall performance decreased by almost 50% (final exam 95%, long-term retention 55%) over a 6-week period. Conclusion. A contracting spacing schedule was the most effective schedule of practice, and all spacing schedules were superior to massed practice or study-only conditions.