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Development of a pharmacy residency program in home care
M Thompson1, M Scott, A Thornton
1College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee 32307, USA. midenth@aol.com
Summary
This home care pharmacy residency program equips pharmacists with essential clinical and management skills. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles, enhancing patient care in home infusion settings.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Home Healthcare
- Residency Training
Background:
- Home care pharmacy is a growing field requiring specialized skills.
- Existing pharmacy residency programs may not fully address home care needs.
- A structured training program is essential for developing competent home care pharmacists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel 12-month pharmacy residency program focused on home care.
- To outline the program's structure, goals, and learning experiences.
- To evaluate the program's effectiveness in preparing residents for practice.
Main Methods:
- The program was developed using the ASHP Residency Learning System and accreditation standards.
- Goals and objectives were defined across four key areas: foundational skills, patient care, drug information, and practice management.
- Learning experiences were organized into rotations covering diverse areas like acute care, pediatrics, pain management, and practice administration.
Main Results:
- Residents gained comprehensive experience in pharmaceutical services, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Emphasis was placed on care planning, patient monitoring, and problem-solving.
- Graduates secured immediate employment as pharmacy managers in home infusion centers.
Conclusions:
- This home care pharmacy residency effectively prepares pharmacists for clinical and managerial roles.
- The program's structure and focus on practical skills lead to successful career placement.
- Residency training in home care is crucial for developing skilled professionals who improve patient outcomes.