Do fourth year pharmacy students use Facebook to form workplace-based learning peer groups during rotations?

The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of whether pharmacy students are using Facebook^® to create formal or informal workplace-based peer groups to learn from each other and share information while completing their advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs).

Fourth-year pharmacy students from two colleges of pharmacy in the same geographical area were recruited by email to participate. Inclusion criteria were: completion of two or more APPEs, current assignment to an APPE rotation in the local area, and a Facebook^® profile. Two focus groups, of eight students each were conducted on each of the two colleges' campuses. An incentive to participate was provided. Thematic analysis was used to analyze responses.

Students reported using Facebook^® to learn about rotation expectations, roles/responsibilities, and preceptors. However, frequency and depth of interactions varied among the participants. Most participants noted that they prefer more private methods of communication to learn about APPE experiences. Students found Facebook^® to be a good source of motivation and support during experiential learning.

The use of social media sites like Facebook^® may help students form "virtual" workplace-based peer groups during APPEs.

Pharmacy schools interested in providing support for formal workplace-based learning groups should consider using social media sites as one component of this program.