Student pharmacists' clinical interventions in advanced pharmacy practice experiences at a community nonteaching...

To assess student pharmacists' clinical interventions in advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) at a community nonteaching hospital and evaluate completed interventions based on the type of documentation method used.

Clinical interventions of 120 fourth-year (P4) student pharmacists in advanced institutional, medication safety, or internal medicine APPEs were collected over a 3½-year period. Clinical interventions were analyzed for cost savings, intervention type, and acceptance rates. A secondary analysis of paper-based vs electronic-based documentation of completed interventions was performed.

There were 2,170 clinical interventions attempted with an acceptance rate of 97%. The estimated cost savings was $280,297. A comparable number of interventions and cost savings per student was observed between paper-based and electronic-based documentation methods.

Student pharmacists at a community nonteaching hospital have many opportunities for participation in patient-centered activities, and for interaction and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They can significantly benefit patient care through clinical interventions, while also contributing to cost savings for the institution.