Evaluating the implementation of a pharmacy hackathon pilot

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Healthcare Innovation
• Student Engagement

Background:

• Disruptive innovation is crucial in pharmacy, yet training and incentives for innovation are lacking.
• Student pharmacists require enhanced education in creative thinking and innovation strategies.
• Healthcare practitioners face limited opportunities and motivation for innovative practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of an inaugural school of pharmacy hackathon.
• To evaluate student perception and outcomes of a pharmacy hackathon pilot.
• To explore hackathons as a method for fostering innovation in pharmacy students.

Main Methods:

• A four-month planning period involved a faculty member and a student leader.
• The hackathon pilot was conducted on a distant site campus.
• Key outcomes measured included changes in student excitement, interest, participation, and confidence in innovation processes.

Main Results:

• Student excitement and interest in the hackathon significantly increased post-event.
• Confidence levels in performing innovation process steps improved among participants.
• Students expressed a high likelihood of attending future hackathons and recommending them to peers.

Conclusions:

• Hosting healthcare hackathons offers an engaging platform for pharmacy students to develop innovation skills.
• The pilot hackathon proved to be an enjoyable and effective method for enhancing student confidence in innovation.
• This approach aligns with and supports Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standard 4.3 requirements.