Assessing Preceptor and Student Perceptions of Remote Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Learning during the...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Experiential Learning
• Remote Healthcare Education

Background:

• The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic necessitated rapid adoption of remote learning in pharmacy education.
• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) transitioned to remote modalities, impacting traditional learning structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate preceptor and student perceptions of remote learning in APPEs.
• To assess student practice readiness following remote experiential rotations.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study surveyed preceptors and students (n=29 and n=43) who completed remote APPE rotations.
• A 5-point Likert scale survey assessed adaptability, effectiveness, and confidence in student practice readiness.

Main Results:

• High confidence reported in preceptor ability to deliver effective remote learning (avg 4.28) and student confidence in preceptors (86%).
• Both preceptors (79%) and students (86%) felt confident in student practice readiness post-rotation.
• 69% of preceptors believed students achieved objectives comparable to in-person experiences.

Conclusions:

• Remote experiential learning in pharmacy effectively prepared students for practice.
• Despite limitations like reduced direct interaction, preceptors and students supported continuing remote activities post-pandemic.