Advanced practice internship: experiential learning in a drug use and disease state management program

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Experiential Learning
• Hospital Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• Traditional pharmacy curricula often lack comprehensive hospital-based experiential training.
• There is a need for structured programs integrating academic learning with practical drug use and disease state management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a 3-year hospital internship program for Doctor of Pharmacy students.
• To provide hands-on experience in drug use and disease state management within a hospital setting.
• To bridge the gap between classroom studies and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Students participated as paid interns in drug use and disease state management.
• Activities included prospective drug therapy evaluation, guideline development, and multidisciplinary team collaboration.
• Learning involved assessing clinical practice guidelines and patient monitoring techniques.

Main Results:

• Student competency was assessed via direct observation and written examinations.
• Patient case studies, group discussions, and poster presentations evaluated knowledge and communication skills.
• The program facilitated student growth in practical pharmaceutical care skills.

Conclusions:

• The internship provides a broad understanding of the hospital pharmacist's role.
• Close preceptor supervision enhances student learning and professional development.
• The program fosters mentoring relationships and prepares students for advanced practice.