A Continuous Community Pharmacy Practice Experience: Design and Evaluation of Instructional Materials

Though both students and preceptors perceived the learning experience as a valuable one, program modifications such as reevaluating program length, retooling modules, strengthening the role of the faculty advisor, and improving patient family selection are suggested to further enhance thelearning experience.

Abstract

The Community Pharmacy Practice Experience, a two-year longitudinal clinical experience, was guided by six self-directed learning modules designed to: (i) stimulate interest in community pharmacy; (ii) motivate learning by demonstrating the applicability of didactic course work in contemporary practice; (iii) develop communication and psychosocial skills in a holistic approach to pharmacy care; and (iv) promote professionalism. The purpose of this report is to describe the development and evaluation of the learning modules and the clinical experience. Six study modules were designed to integrate coursework with practice activities that promoted wellness in the participating family. Participants in the program included randomly selected students from an entering pharmacy class, clinical practice faculty members who served as advisors and program consultants, community pharmacists from both chain and independent practices, and families who met initial screening criteria. Each student was assigned to a participating family. After completing each module, evaluations were completed by students and preceptors. Though both students and preceptors perceived the learning experience as a valuable one, program modifications such as reevaluating program length, retooling modules, strengthening the role of the faculty advisor, and improving patient family selection are suggested to further enhance the learning experience.