Characterization of doctor of pharmacy/health informatics dual degrees in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Health care is trending towards an increasing reliance on data management, technology, analytics, and automation which is also reflected in pharmacy education. This study aimed to identify and characterize doctor of pharmacy (PharmD)/master of science in health informatics (MSHI) dual-degree offerings at pharmacy institutions within the United States (US). METHODS: A list of PharmD/MSHI programs was obtained from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the Pharmacy College Application Service. Furthermore, websites of the 143 accredited schools and colleges of pharmacy in the US were inspected to identify additional PharmD/MSHI dual degrees not identified with the previous sources and to verify that the dual degree was being actively offered at each institution. A 26-item questionnaire focusing on program structure, admissions, and output was developed and administered to program representatives via phone interview. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Thirteen schools offering a PharmD/MSHI dual degree were identified, of which 10 participated (response rate = 77%). All programs were created within the last 10 years. Programs were similar in terms of admission requirements such as grade point average thresholds and standardized testing. Variances existed in program structure and output, such as accreditation status and number of enrollees/graduates. CONCLUSIONS: Although health informatics has become more prominent in health care, health informatics education is not yet as pervasive in the pharmacy field. The information collected may be useful for schools considering implementing or modifying their own dual degree program or for students who are interested in health informatics-specialized educational opportunities.

Characterization of pharmacy practice research centers across the United States.

BACKGROUND: Schools of Pharmacy are important contributors to pharmacy practice research and several have created research centers focusing on this area. OBJECTIVES: To identify and characterize pharmacy practice research centers in the United States. METHODS: A comprehensive list of research centers was gathered using three sources: 1) websites of Schools of Pharmacy obtained from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy website; 2) Google; and 3) department chairs. Two independent reviewers applied the following exclusion criteria to the list: 1) no affiliation with a School of Pharmacy; 2) no focus on research; 3) not an independent unit recognized at the school or university levels; and 4) research not focused on advancing pharmacy practice. Inter-rater reliability was calculated using a prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). A questionnaire was developed comprising 24 questions grouped into three sections - overall structure of the center, research and educational activities - and disseminated through center directors. Descriptive statistics of survey data were obtained. RESULTS: Twenty centers across 20 different states were identified. Survey response rate was 100%. Three-quarters of centers were at public institutions and half had an advisory board. Full-time equivalents ranged from 0.2 to 21. Areas of research primarily focused on medication and disease-state management and interprofessional collaboration in the ambulatory/outpatient setting. Few centers (35%) conducted experimental studies. Despite 85% centers conducting multi-site studies, the median number of sites engaged was low (range 1-3). Seven centers received over USD 1 million in total funding since inception. A majority of centers (90%) offered educational activities for both students and professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy practice research centers are relatively small, received low funding and few conduct multi-site experimental studies. Collaboration among centers could be a means to overcome these issues.