Evaluating the implementation of a pharmacy hackathon pilot

The need for disruptive innovation within the pharmacy profession is well documented in the literature. However, there is a lack of proper training on innovation and creative thinking for student pharmacists and limited time or incentive for health care practitioners to be innovative. Hosting an innovation event, such as a hackathon, can teach innovative strategies and incentivize innovation by student pharmacists. Thus, the aim of this study was to to assess the feasibility and student perception of an inaugural school of pharmacy hackathon pilot.

A hackathon pilot was planned on a distant site campus. Over the course of four months, a planning team, consisting of a faculty member and a student leader in the American Pharmacy Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, met every other week to plan the event. Outcomes included: change in student excitement and interest related to the hackathon, number of participants, and change in student confidence in the ability to perform steps in the innovation process.

The average level of excitement prior to the event increased, and student confidence related to the ability to perform each step in the innovation process improved. Additionally, students agreed that they would be interested in attending a similar event in the future and would recommend the event to a friend.

Hosting a healthcare hackathon at a school of pharmacy is an enjoyable way for pharmacy students to practice and gain confidence with innovation skills while addressing Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standard 4.3.