An innovative General Practice based Pharmacy Longitudinal Clerkship: using theory to characterise its development,...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Clinical Pharmacy Practice
• Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships

Background:

• Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs) are established in undergraduate medical education.
• A pilot Pharmacy Longitudinal Clerkship (pPLC) was initiated to explore this educational model for student pharmacists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and conduct an initial evaluation of the pPLC model.
• To gather data on the necessary structures and processes for a pPLC.

Main Methods:

• An 11-week pPLC was conducted with two students in two Scottish general practice settings.
• Mixed methods, including qualitative semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), were employed.
• Data were collected on resources, processes, learning outcomes, and stakeholder experiences.

Main Results:

• Key data were generated on financial resources, staffing, and student support materials.
• Stakeholder interviews revealed increased student confidence and career enthusiasm.
• The need for defining the Regional Tutor role and positive GP perceptions of the clerkship model were identified.

Conclusions:

• Despite limitations due to small sample size, the pPLC evaluation was positive.
• The study provided valuable insights into resource and process requirements for pPLC implementation.
• Findings will inform the wider rollout of the Pharmacy Longitudinal Clerkship model.