Utilizing transformative learning theory to enhance professional identity formation

To analyze the impact of a Transformative Learning Theory (TLT)-based toolkit on pharmacy students' self-evaluation of professional identity formation (PIF).

This prospective, interventional cohort study included pre-clinical pharmacy students in a hospital skills-based course. Study participants were included if they completed the Professional Self Identity Questionnaire (PSIQ-9) and Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale (MCPIS-9) at baseline (week 1), midpoint (week 8), and endpoint (week 15) of the course. The primary outcome was to assess the mean change in PSIQ-9 and MCPIS-9 scores from baseline to endpoint; the outcome was analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test. Secondary outcomes included assessing the mean difference in questionnaire scores from baseline to midpoint and midpoint to endpoint.

Seventy-nine pharmacy students were eligible, with 11 (14%) completing both questionnaires at all time points and 39 (49%) completing them at baseline and midpoint. Comparing baseline and endpoint scores, there was an increase in the PSIQ-9 mean difference for teaching others and a decrease in the MCPIS-9 for feeling ashamed of the profession. No MCPIS-9 differences were found between baseline and midpoint. Three PSIQ-9 questions, communication, using patient records, and teaching others, were significant at baseline and midpoint.

The TLT-based toolkit had a minimal impact on students' self-evaluation of PIF based on the PSIQ-9 and MCPIS-9 questionnaires over a 15-week course. Studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to provide more conclusive results.