Intervention and remediation: A descriptive study of practices in pharmacy education

This descriptive survey study was designed to collect specific data about intervention and remediation approaches used by schools and colleges of pharmacy (S/COPs) to meet the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standard 17.

An electronic survey was developed and sent to all members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Curriculum and Student Services Personnel Special Interest Groups. The survey gathered details about institutional criteria and practices used in identification of students at risk of failure, steps of early intervention, and approaches to academic remediation. Descriptive data are presented.

About 70% of accredited S/COPs responded with a complete survey. There was no statistically significant difference between public or private institutional practices. All respondents reported remediation approaches, but only 85% had structured intervention practices. There was marked variability in reports of specific details for both intervention and remediation.

There is great diversity in approaches to both intervention and remediation. This study provides baseline data on which to build future research that might determine best practices to optimize student outcomes. A theoretical framework is provided.