Scientific Poster Session III - Original Research

Original Research
  Monday, October 14, 2024
  01:00 PM–02:30 PM

Abstract

Introduction: Recent calls for changes in health professions education have prompted pharmacy education to engage in curricular transformation efforts. However, are the educational efforts working? To address this gap, it is crucial to ask stakeholders their perceptions of pharmacy education and current and future needs of practice to drive future educational transformation.

Research Question or Hypothesis: What are stakeholders’ perceptions of the current state of pharmacy education and the current and future needs for pharmacists?

Study Design: Qualitative design using semi-structured focus-groups

Methods: Guiding interview questions were created a priori and iterated through researcher consensus-building. Stakeholders were recruited from: professional organization leadership (national and state), practice transformation leaders, practicing pharmacists (ex: clinical, hospital, community, Veteran’s Administration), pharmacy payors, and other healthcare professionals. Following IRB-approved consent, one-hour focus groups were conducted by a trained researcher, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim until content saturation was achieved. As part of Grounded Theory and to ensure accuracy in coding, the constant comparison method was utilized. Two team members independently compared the data and themes for each focus group, followed by a consensus among all coders to finalize themes, ensuring data accuracy.

Results: Multiple themes were identified, with clearly identified strengths and weaknesses of recent pharmacy graduates and clear identification of societal and patient needs. Strengths of graduates included patient advocacy and patient communication and care skills along with clinical skills. There was significant disagreement on whether graduates possess critical thinking skills, with workforce-based stakeholders seeing it as a weakness. Key societal needs included drug knowledge, business and management-related skills, and enhancing patient access to care, and stakeholders generally agreed these elements were often weaknesses of recent graduates.

Conclusion: Focus groups provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of pharmacy graduates along with rising needs for pharmacists, which can be used when evaluating future educational changes.

Presenting Author

Nicholas R. Nelson PharmD, BCCCP, BCPS
Wingate University School of Pharmacy

Authors

Kabas Abou Jahjah PharmD
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Tina Brock MS Pharm, EdD
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Aleda Chen PharmD, MS, PhD, FAPhA
Cedarville University School of Pharmacy

Mariann D. Churchwell PharmD, BCPS, FCCP
The University of Toledo

Kimberly K. Daugherty PharmD, PhD
Erika Kleppinger PharmD, BCPS
Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy

Dennis Parker PharmD, FCCM
Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Kelly Ragucci PharmD, FCCP, BCPS
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Denise H. Rhoney PharmD, FCCP, MCCM, FNCS
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Stephanie L. Sibicky PharmD, MEd BCGP, BCPS, FASCP
Northeastern University

Krisy-Ann Thornby PharmD, BCPS
Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy