Implementation of Debriefing Services for Pharmacy Residents in a 24-Hour, In-House Clinical Pharmacy On-Call...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Pharmacy
• Medical Education
• Mental Health

Background:

• The clinical pharmacy on-call program (CPOP) operates 24/7, presenting residents with challenging situations.
• These situations may contribute to increased depression, anxiety, and stress among pharmacy residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a structured debriefing program for pharmacy residents in the CPOP.
• To characterize the mental health patterns of residents participating in the CPOP and the debriefing program.

Main Methods:

• A structured debriefing process was implemented over one year.
• Residents completed the modified Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (mDASS-21) and a stress perception score (SPS).
• Data from first and final on-call shifts were compared; residents were referred to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as needed.

Main Results:

• 106 debriefing sessions were completed, with residents handling a median of 38 events per shift.
• Significant reductions in anxiety and stress scores were observed between first and final on-call shifts.
• Six residents were referred to EAP, and a lower incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress was noted compared to previous residents.

Conclusions:

• The debriefing program effectively provided emotional support to pharmacy residents in the CPOP.
• Implementation led to reduced anxiety and stress from the start to the end of the academic year.
• The program showed improvement in mental health outcomes compared to the preceding year.