Longitudinal Evaluation of the Healthy Living Assessment as an Experiential Learning Activity Provided On-Campus

Objective. To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of healthy living assessments (HLA) conducted on campus by undergraduate pharmacy students. Methods. Because of a shortage of workplace-based placements for undergraduate pharmacy students, a program was developed for students to conduct HLAs on campus for volunteer patients. Pharmacy students underwent training and completed a competency assessment before being approved to conduct HLAs. Staff members and students were recruited to serve as participants. Following the HLA, pharmacy students completed a quantitative and qualitative questionnaires to assess their perceived educational gains and opinions about the experience. Participants who underwent an HLA were asked to complete a questionnaire about the quality of the service they received. Results. From 2011-2019, 896 HLAs were conducted by 764 undergraduate pharmacy students. The students reported that completing an HLA improved their clinical knowledge, counselling skills, professionalism, and confidence when talking to participants. They believed the HLA delivered an authentic learning experience, similar to that achieved during workplace-based placements. The HLA service was rated as good or outstanding by 99% of the participants, and the majority stated that they intended to make lifestyle changes as a result of attending the HLA. Conclusion. Conducting healthy living assessments provided undergraduate pharmacy students a valuable, quality-assured opportunity for experiential learning. The HLAs were well received by participants as they informed them about their current health status and gave them useful advice about making health improvements.