Exploring structures and processes supporting interprofessional education during experiential learning placements for student pharmacists.

Depasquale, Clare; Arnold, Amy; Cunningham, Scott; Jacob, Sabrina Anne; Boyter, Anne; Portlock, Jane; Power, Ailsa; Addison, Brian

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore stakeholder views on structures and processes supporting planned and unplanned interprofessional education (IPE) during experiential learning (EL) placements for student pharmacists in Scotland. Online semi-structured group interviews were conducted with academic staff, practice educators and EL facilitators (preceptors). Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Systems theory underpinned the study. Ethical approval was granted by the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences Ethics Review Committee at Robert Gordon University. Three main themes were identified: (1) Current IPE delivery and context (2) Factors affecting IPE delivery and student pharmacist learning and (3) Re-thinking current IPE provision. Stakeholder views provided valuable insights into presage factors relating to contextual elements - cultural, logistical, regulatory – and their influence on IPE delivery and interprofessional learning. EL facilitator and student pharmacist characteristics were also highlighted as influencing factors; process factors included examples of planned and unplanned IPE experiences on offer in community, hospital, primary care, and specialist areas of pharmacy practice; product factors highlighted the importance of IPE to support the development of collaborative competencies. Future developments need to focus on a continuum of IPE learning and a coordinated approach between higher education institutions and placement providers and interprofessional practice teams. The study concluded that curricular development and implementation of new IPE is not without its challenges. This study has provided a strong foundation that will inform future developments, to ensure new initiatives are conducive to supporting effective interprofessional learning during placements.

Citation

DEPASQUALE, C., ARNOLD, A., CUNNINGHAM, S., JACOB, S.A., BOYTER, A., PORTLOCK, J., POWER, A. and ADDISON, B. 2024. Exploring structures and processes supporting interprofessional education during experiential learning placements for student pharmacists. American journal of pharmaceutical education [online], 88(10), article number 101267. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.101267

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 14, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 17, 2024
• Publication Date: Oct 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 16, 2024
• Journal: American journal of pharmaceutical education
• Print ISSN: 0002-9459
• Electronic ISSN: 1553-6467
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 88
• Issue: 10
• Article Number: 101267
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.101267
• Keywords: Pharmacy education; Pharmacy students; Interprofessional education; Work placements; Experiential learning; Practice-based learning
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2434455
• Additional Information: This article has been published with separate supporting information. This supporting information has been incorporated into a single file on this repository and can be found at the end of the file associated with this output.