Strategies Proposed by Students and Pharmacists for Virtual Experiential Patient Care Practicums

Background: The University of British Columbia (UBC) Pharmacists Clinic (the Clinic) is a pharmacist-led patient care clinic serving as a practice site for experiential education in a team-based primary care practice. Given the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, some pharmacy practice sites have permanently transitioned select experiential education activities to a virtual format. Currently, there is limited literature on teaching practices that are conducive to students' success in a virtual environment. Objective: To determine the factors that enable successful development of a virtual patient care practicum experience at a university clinic from the perspectives of student pharmacists and practice educators. Methods: A qualitative research methodology was used to gain the perspectives of student pharmacists, who did not have experience with virtual practicums, and practice educators, who had some experience with virtual practicums at the time of the study. Separate focus group interviews were conducted using a semi-structured approach and consisted of questions aimed at gathering insight into participant perspectives on virtual practicums. The focus group sessions were audio recorded with participant consent and transcribed. A thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data. Results: Three pharmacist practice educators and three student pharmacists participated in their respective focus groups. Six major themes were developed based on the data: (1) technology optimization, (2) patient care related activities, (3) student-practice educator relationship, (4) student skill development, (5) student support, and (6) in-person vs virtual practicum preferences. Proposed strategies to mitigate the limitations of virtual practicums included setting communication guidelines, arranging enriching learning opportunities, and having reliable internet connection. Conclusion: The participants in this study provided insight on factors to support successful development and delivery of a virtual patient care practicum. The results from this study can be applied to other health disciplines and their approach to virtual practicums during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.