Ambulatory care elective: Introduction to core practice concepts.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Introduction to various pharmacy practice environments is effectively accomplished through concentrated elective courses. The ambulatory care elective utilized innovative active learning strategies to enhance chronic disease management, foster empathy, and introduce strategic planning in an ambulatory care center.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING

A new two-credit hour ambulatory elective course was offered to third-year pharmacy students in a four-year doctor of pharmacy program. This 30-hour, 2-week long course, ran simultaneously between three campuses, and included six modules. The course employed lectures, active learning activities, shadowing, role playing, and a simulation.

FINDINGS

Course evaluations and student reflections indicate high satisfaction with the course and reveal value in the simulation.

SUMMARY

Active learning sessions in this third-year pharmacy elective allowed application of lecture materials to explore the focused practice of ambulatory care. Discussion topics were varied, allowing students to gauge the breadth of opportunities offered in ambulatory pharmacy, while also appreciating the scope of skills required for successful and sustainable practice. Students valued the chronic disease state simulation, which provided a unique approach to foster personal attributes.