A quantitative professionalism policy in a community pharmacy introductory pharmacy practice experience

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Professionalism in Healthcare

Background:

• Assessing professionalism in pharmacy students can be subjective.
• Discrepancies in evaluating professional expectations were noted in introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a quantitative professionalism policy on student behaviors.
• To assess pharmacy students' attitudes regarding professionalism expectations during their IPPE.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative professionalism policy was developed and implemented.
• The policy focused on measurable parameters for assessing unprofessional behaviors.
• Implementation occurred within a community pharmacy IPPE setting.

Main Results:

• The policy led to a statistically significant reduction in late assignment submissions (p<0.05).
• No significant change was observed in students' attitudes toward professional behaviors post-policy implementation.

Conclusions:

• A quantitative professionalism policy can effectively modify specific professional behaviors in pharmacy students.
• Further strategies may be needed to influence students' attitudes regarding professionalism.