Prevalence and characteristics of pharmacies owned and operated by schools of pharmacy in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: To identify schools/colleges of pharmacy that own and operate a pharmacy and to gather key details about such pharmacies. METHODS: Schools of pharmacy (n = 134) in the United States were contacted to determine whether they own and operate a pharmacy. Schools identified as having a pharmacy were subsequently sent an online questionnaire to solicit information about school and pharmacy characteristics. RESULTS: Eighteen (13.4%) schools reported owning and operating at least one pharmacy; of these, 14 (77.8%) responded to the questionnaire. The provision of education was a goal for all pharmacies. Pharmacy services were provided to students, faculty/staff, and community members (85.7%, 78.6%, and 50%, respectively). Student pharmacists were regularly involved in the operations of 13 (92.9%) pharmacies, largely as part of their introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences and/or as paid employees. CONCLUSION: Few schools of pharmacy in the United States own and operate a pharmacy. These pharmacies primarily serve as teaching and learning venues and provide services to the campus community and/or the community at large.

Integrating Medication Therapy Management Education into a Core Pharmacy Curriculum.

Objective. To describe the design of a core course directed at improving confidence and competence of students to perform medication therapy management (MTM) services. Design. Using the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) certificate training program framework, a core course was developed to teach MTM concepts to third-year student pharmacists. Using deep learning and authentic assignments, course instructors attempted to improve student confidence and readiness to provide MTM services. Assessment. Student ability to meet course objectives was evaluated by examinations and the APhA MTM program self-assessment. Students had an overall success rate of 93% on all three assessments. Student perceptions of confidence, competence, and importance of performing MTM services were measured using a survey instrument with 56 Likert-type items. Students completing both surveys reported significantly increased confidence and competence. Conclusion. Integrating MTM-specific education into the core curriculum increased student pharmacists' perceived competence and confidence to perform MTM services.