University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, 1295 N Martin Ave, PO Box 210202, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
SinfoniaRx, 100 N Stone Ave, Suite 109, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States.
Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2020 Sep;12(9):1123-1128. doi: 10.1016/j.cptl.2020.04.003. Epub 2020 Apr 14.
Student pharmacists are expected to participate in real-life, patient-centered experiences to help develop clinical knowledge and professional skills. This study explored student pharmacist intern perceptions of work experience at a medication management center (MMC). We also examined how working at the MMC helped fulfill curricular requirements, helped develop leadership skills, and provided professional development opportunities.
Two focus groups were conducted with first-, second-, and third-year student pharmacist interns at the MMC in April 2019. The focus groups were audio recorded for verification purposes, transcribed, and analyzed thematically by two independent reviewers.
A total of five student pharmacist interns participated. Four main themes were identified: (1) knowledge; (2) communication; (3) time management; and (4) leadership, mentorship, and networking. Participants had opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills outside the classroom, providing them an academic advantage while recognizing areas of deficiency. Students practiced communication skills that helped improve language skills and manage difficult patients, although telephonic consultations were challenging. Students learned to prioritize time with patients but reported difficulty managing their work schedules. Leadership, mentorship, and networking opportunities facilitated learning and improved their self-confidence.
This qualitative analysis identified four key themes, highlighting the many benefits available for student pharmacist interns working at an academic-based MMC. Further research is needed to address challenges reported in this study and should include a larger sample of student pharmacists for more generalizable results.
期望药剂学生参与以患者为中心的真实体验，以帮助他们发展临床知识和专业技能。本研究探讨了实习药剂师在药物管理中心（MMC）工作的体验。我们还研究了在 MMC 工作如何帮助满足课程要求、发展领导技能和提供专业发展机会。
2019 年 4 月，在 MMC 对第一、二、三年级实习药剂师进行了两次焦点小组讨论。为了核实目的，对焦点小组进行了录音、转录，并由两名独立评审员进行主题分析。
共有 5 名实习药剂师参加。确定了四个主要主题：（1）知识；（2）沟通；（3）时间管理；和（4）领导力、指导和网络。参与者有机会在课堂外获得新知识和技能，为他们提供了学术优势，同时也认识到了自己的不足之处。学生们练习了沟通技巧，这有助于提高语言技能和处理困难的患者，尽管电话咨询具有挑战性。学生们学会了为患者安排时间，但报告说管理工作时间表很困难。领导、指导和网络机会促进了学习，提高了他们的自信。
这项定性分析确定了四个关键主题，突出了实习药剂师在以学术为基础的 MMC 工作的许多好处。需要进一步的研究来解决本研究中报告的挑战，并且应该包括更大的实习药剂师样本，以获得更具普遍性的结果。
