Characteristics of postgraduate year 2 ambulatory care pharmacy residency programs in the United States

A survey was conducted to evaluate the characteristics and structures of postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) ambulatory care pharmacy residency programs in the United States. The survey results can serve as a guide for current and newly emerging programs.

A 24-question survey was sent to 138 US PGY2 residency program directors (RPDs) in February 2017 to identify key program characteristics, including program type (single-site or multisite), primary practice site, number of residents, length and type of rotations, staffing requirements, additional residency activities, precepting and teaching opportunities, RPD training and credentials, and number and qualifications of preceptors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the findings.

A 40.6% response rate was achieved. Well over half (57%) of programs had been established within the preceding 5 years. A majority of RPDs reported that their program had 1 (53%) or 2 residents (31%) and/or was a single-site program (80%). Overall, 44 different types of rotations or experiences were offered by the programs. All surveyed programs offered additional teaching opportunities. There were no formal staffing duties in 29% of programs; professional organization membership and conference attendance were highly encouraged but typically not required of residents. Qualifications of the RPD and preceptors closely mirrored those delineated in residency accreditation standards.

There is an increased need for specialized training in ambulatory care in order to prepare pharmacists for the changing landscape in healthcare. The profession is adapting to this need, as evidenced by the rapid growth of PGY2 ambulatory care residency programs. Understanding characteristics can benefit continued growth to meet the needs of the profession.