Evaluation of student perceptions of introductory pharmacy practice experiences

Introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs) are focused on sharpening the student's knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes related to becoming an effective member of the healthcare team. Currently, the literature on student pharmacists' perceptions focused only on advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). This study gathered perceptions of IPPEs from pharmacy students in their first through third year professional years.

A voluntary pre- and post-survey instrument was administered to 367 first through third year professional students from Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Cedarville University at the beginning and end of the 2017-2018 academic year. Each survey utilized questions with Likert scales designed to detect differences in student expectations and experiences related to IPPE training. Questions primarily focused on demographics, objectives, goals, interprofessional teamwork, application of knowledge, and preceptor engagement. Students ages 18 and older who were enrolled at the participating institutions were eligible for inclusion in this study. Survey completion was voluntary, and students were not incentivized to participate.

Sixty-six students completed the pre- and post- surveys with matching, identifiable data for analysis. Twenty-nine items demonstrated a more negative perception of IPPEs between the pre- and post-surveys (p < 0.05). Eight items demonstrated a difference by institution (p < 0.05), while three items demonstrated a difference between professional years (p < 0.05).

Student expectations of IPPEs were significantly less positive in the pre-survey than in the post-survey. Future studies should examine the implications of these results on student IPPE performance and methods to impact student perception of the value of IPPE training.