Implementation of a novel ambulatory care pharmacist training program to facilitate redeployment of community...

To describe the development, implementation, and feasibility of a novel training program for community pharmacists transitioning to clinical ambulatory care positions.

A primary care-focused ambulatory care pharmacist training program was initiated in an integrated healthcare system in Utah in response to community pharmacy closures. The program aimed to transition community pharmacists into clinical ambulatory care positions utilizing a competency framework designed to cultivate skills in applying clinical knowledge, communication, managing clinic workflow, and professional development. Nine pharmacists in the program (trainees) were each paired with 1 to 2 pharmacists (mentors) with robust experience in ambulatory care practice. Trainees participated in independent study, didactic instruction, and hands-on experiences tailored to their roles as either embedded or telehealth pharmacist trainees. They worked toward meeting clinical skills and professional engagement objectives outlined in a competency framework, with the goal of progressing to independent practice within 6 to 12 months. While these objectives guided development, completion timelines were adapted in response to evolving roles and operational challenges. Embedded pharmacist trainees completed 70% of the clinical skills objectives after 6 months and 74% of the professional engagement objectives after 12 months. Telehealth pharmacist trainees completed 100% of the clinical skills objectives after 6 months and 56% of the professional engagement objectives after 12 months. Trainees reported increased confidence in most clinical skills areas but less motivation for professional engagement activities at 6 months. Mentors found the program design suitable but suggested a higher mentor-to-trainee ratio to manage workload.

This program served as a novel, practice-based approach to train and transition community pharmacists into clinical ambulatory care positions. Its successful implementation demonstrates a feasible strategy for workforce redeployment, offering a model that may inform future training initiatives in evolving healthcare settings.