Advanced pharmacy practice experience students at the intersection of education and practice transformation

Background and purpose: Community pharmacy practice is transforming from traditional dispensing roles, and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) could be a viable mechanism to assist pharmacies during transformation. A new type of APPE is described and the design, outcomes, and feedback from the first students and pharmacies piloting this rotation are discussed.

Educational activity and setting: A four-week elective APPE was designed to position fourth-year students as facilitators for community pharmacy transformation activities. The first transformation activity was clinical documentation using electronic care plans (eCare plans). Students spent a majority of the rotation in the pharmacy with only the first week and one day a week thereafter at the college of pharmacy. Students assessed current pharmacy workflow, developed an implementation plan, trained pharmacy staff, and created protocols and resources.

Findings: Four student pharmacists completed the rotation during May, June, and August 2019. Student knowledge was assessed through a 12-question pre- and post-quiz on implementation science and the pharmacist eCare plan. Following orientation activities, students' scores increased from an average 44% to 86%. Course evaluations showed students learned about pharmacy business management and recognized challenges in teaching staff new concepts. All students indicated appreciation for innovative activity involvement and helping a pharmacy advance its practice.

Summary: Early findings from this elective indicate a successful learning experience for students and pharmacy owners. The students gained skills in teaching, facilitation, and practice management, while pharmacy owners benefitted from staff training and implementation resources.