Implementation and evaluation of a virtual learning advanced pharmacy practice experience.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Learning Environments

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic restricted student involvement in direct patient care.
• Virtual learning emerged as a viable educational strategy for pharmacy curriculums.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate student perceptions of virtual learning in advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE).
• To assess the effectiveness of virtual learning as a substitute for on-site APPE.

Main Methods:

• An electronic 12-question survey was administered to students post-virtual APPE.
• The survey included Likert scale and open-ended questions to assess virtual learning implementation and student experience.

Main Results:

• 19 students responded, with high agreement on resources and autonomous learning.
• 16% felt virtual learning improved their ability to be a healthcare team member.
• Students appreciated the virtual APPE but desired more patient care-oriented simulations.

Conclusions:

• Students were generally satisfied with the virtual APPE.
• Virtual teaching modalities can supplement APPEs, especially with limited patient access.
• Virtual learning should not completely replace direct patient care experience.