Pharmacy Student Satisfaction and Perceptions Following a Virtual Sterile Compounding Experience

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Pharmacy Education

Background:

• Sterile compounding is a critical component of pharmacy curricula.
• Traditional in-person sterile compounding labs present logistical challenges.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated exploration of virtual learning alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe student perceptions of a virtual sterile intravenous compounding experience.
• To evaluate student preparedness, satisfaction, and preferences compared to in-person methods.
• To assess the effectiveness of a virtual learning module in a patient care lab course.

Main Methods:

• A virtual sterile intravenous compounding experience was implemented using pre-recorded lectures, readings, and simulated product kits.
• Online video conferencing facilitated large-group discussions and small-group (11 students/instructor) stepwise procedure guidance.
• Student perceptions were gathered via a survey and analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results:

• A 54% overall response rate was achieved from second and third-year pharmacy students.
• The majority of students (66%) reported satisfaction with the virtual experience over in-person methods.
• Fifty-seven percent of students felt the virtual experience adequately prepared them for clinical sterile compounding.

Conclusions:

• Students expressed overall satisfaction with the virtual intravenous compounding experience.
• The virtual format is a feasible and effective alternative for sterile compounding education.
• Virtual sterile compounding education can successfully prepare students for clinical practice.