Exploring student perceptions and attitude towards various aspects of peer feedback in a pharmacotherapy course.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to gauge pharmacy students' perceptions and attitude towards peer feedback in a pharmacotherapy course.

METHODS

An explanatory sequential mixed-method approach with a 20-item electronic survey and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from students enrolled in a required pharmacotherapy course at a major public university in the southeast United States. A survey design with descriptive statistics were used for the quantitative part and constant comparative approach was used to analyze qualitative data.

RESULTS

Seventy-three completed surveys (53%) were received (n = 73). Majority of the students (90%) believed that they will be using peer feedback in their future pharmacy careers. Most students (90%) agreed that their peers are competent enough to provide constructive feedback, whereas only 78% believed in their own competency to provide feedback to their peers. Over 81% of students preferred receiving feedback from a peer they have previously worked with. Interviews with five second-year pharmacy students (n = 5) revealed three major themes regarding PharmD students' perception of peer feedback activity, namely, (1) participants' perspectives about the value of peer feedback, (2) learning from peer feedback, and (3) significance of the individuals participating in the peer feedback activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceptions of competency, the perceived value of peer feedback and interrelationship among peers are important determinants of effective peer feedback practices. Education and training in techniques and benefits of peer feedback, as well as opportunity to practice the skill can help students promote a positive attitude towards peer feedback.