McLaughlin, Jacqueline E., Amerine, Lindsey B., Chen, Sheh-Li, Luter, David N., Arnall, Justin, Smith, Shayna, Roth, Mary T., Rodgers, Philip T., Williams, Dennis M., Pinelli, Nicole R.
funding text
The authors would like to acknowledge the Partnership in Patient Care agreement between the UNC Medical Center Department of Pharmacy and the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and its meaningful contribution to the collaborative development and implementation of this project. In addition, the authors would like to thank Rowell Daniels, PharmD, MS and Russell Mumper, PhD, for their support of and insights into this project. Finally, the authors would like to thank The Carolina Partnership and The Pharmacy Network Foundation, Inc., for its generous support of The Academy and the Educational Renaissance initiative in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
abstract
Objective. To examine student outcomes associated with the Student Medication and Reconciliation Team (SMART) program, which was designed to provide second-year student pharmacists at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Eshelman School of Pharmacy direct patient care experience at UNC Medical Center. Design. Twenty-two second-year student pharmacists were randomly selected from volunteers, given program training, and scheduled for three 5-hour evening shifts in 2013-2014. Pre/post surveys and reflection statements were collected from 19 students. Data were analyzed with a mixed methods approach. Assessment. Survey results revealed an increase in student self-efficacy (p<0.05) and positive perceptions of SMART. Qualitative findings suggest the program provided opportunities for students to develop strategies for practice, promoted an appreciation for the various roles pharmacists play in health care, and fostered an appreciation for the complexity of real-world practice. Conclusion. Early clinical experiences can enhance student learning and development while fostering an appreciation for pharmacy practice.