Experiential Pharmacy Education During a Pandemic: Lessons Learned

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Experiential Learning
• Geriatric Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for health professional training.
• Pharmacy programs rapidly transitioned to virtual experiential learning with limited preparation and resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To offer strategies for pharmacy experiential learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To ensure pharmacy learners meet accreditation requirements and are prepared for practice.
• To address challenges and identify opportunities for future pharmacy education.

Main Methods:

• The article synthesizes approaches for virtual experiential learning in pharmacy.
• It focuses on accreditation, interprofessional education, reflection, and self-care.
• Strategies are presented to prepare learners for geriatric pharmacy practice.

Main Results:

• Virtual experiential learning models were implemented rapidly due to pandemic restrictions.
• The article provides practical guidance for adapting pharmacy education.
• It highlights the need for structured approaches to virtual learning.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacy education must adapt to ensure learner competency and preparedness.
• The pandemic presents opportunities to innovate and enhance future experiential learning models.
• Focusing on accreditation, interprofessional collaboration, and self-care is crucial for pharmacy trainees.