Development and implementation of a Community Pharmacy "Bootcamp" activity - A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Experiential Learning
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Innovative pedagogical approaches are crucial for preparing pharmacy students for complex practice environments.
• Traditional didactic learning may not fully capture the dynamic nature of community pharmacy.
• Experiential learning activities can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.

Observation:

• A "Community Pharmacy Bootcamp" activity simulated real-world pharmacist tasks, including prescription verification interspersed with interruptions.
• Second-year PharmD students participated in the exercise, which involved physical actions to mimic common pharmacy workflow interruptions.
• Student performance was assessed via prescription verification accuracy and qualitative analysis of video reflections.

Findings:

• Despite 86% completing verifications, average accuracy was 53%, highlighting areas for skill development.
• Student reflections revealed the activity was unique and fun, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail.
• The exercise provided enhanced understanding of the community pharmacy workflow from a pharmacist's perspective.

Implications:

• The "Community Pharmacy Bootcamp" effectively exposed students to practice realities, fostering engagement and highlighting the need for broader skill development.
• This novel, interactive method can be adapted for other pharmacy education settings and integrated into required coursework.
• Such activities promote a deeper understanding of pharmacy practice beyond clinical expertise, preparing students for diverse roles.