Psychiatric learning experiences in PGY1 pharmacy residency training: A 5-year analysis

A growing shortage of mental health providers and the increasing prevalence and severity of mental illness necessitate a qualified pharmacist workforce to increase access and care. Psychiatric learning experiences (PLEs) completed during pharmacy residency training are one way to address this need. The purpose of this study was to characterize PLEs offered by postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) programs and completed by PGY1 residents over a 5-year period.

A retrospective review of data from PharmAcademic was conducted. All ASHP-accredited PGY1 programs from the 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 residency years were included in the descriptive analysis. PLE presence was identified using a keyword search of learning experience titles and descriptions. A post hoc analysis was conducted to compare yearly PLE completion rates during the study period and annual completion rates relative to presence or absence of a postgraduate year 2 psychiatric pharmacy residency.

Of 1,461 PGY1 programs, 511 programs (34.9%) offered a PLE. Most PLEs were elective (82%). During the study period, 20.8% of PGY1 residents completed a PLE despite 77% having access.

PGY1 residents complete PLEs at low rates. The reasons for this are unclear and need to be further explored. The growing need for qualified pharmacists to care for patients with mental illness calls for strategies to increase mental health training, including greater completion of PLEs by PGY1 residents and an understanding of how PLEs are promoted to PGY1 residents.