Evaluating Documentation of Prescribing Training Experiences in Pharmacy Residency Programs

Clinical pharmacist specialists are ideal candidates to reduce healthcare costs and manage chronic disease states. However, it is unknown whether residency programs document prescribing training.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether programs document prescriptive authority training in pharmacy residency programs.

To evaluate whether California residency programs document prescribing training, we conducted a systematic review utilizing the key search terms to examine residency information resources: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) residency program information and PubMed query. Primary outcome for documentation of prescriptive authority training was based on a defined search criterion.

Out of 128 residency programs, 110 met criteria for evaluation. A total of 47 residency programs (13 institutions) met criteria for prescribing training. Most programs did not define which specialty clinics offered prescribing training.

Based on search criterion, less than 50% met criteria for documentation of prescribing training in residency programs. With that said, there are limitations given a strict search criterion, so additional research is needed to further investigate whether prescribing trainings are offered. Given the limited amount of residency programs documenting prescribing training, it is essential to define standards and expand documentation of prescribing training.