Design and evaluation of a comprehensive training program for hospital-based clinical pharmacists - various, active,...

Medication reconciliation and -reviews are not emphasized in the pharmacy curriculums in Norway and graduated pharmacists are at novice level. Therefore, a postgraduate training program for hospital-based clinical pharmacists was developed. The aim of this paper is to describe the program design and evaluation of the last four years (2021-2024).

The training program, established in 2012, used Southern Sweden's training in Integrated Medicines Management as inspiration. Experienced clinical pharmacists in Norway have further developed and improved the program. The training program comprises i) a three-day in-class and skill training course in a simulation lab ii) eight days in a hospital ward performing medication reconciliations and - reviews under individual supervision from a clinical supervisor, i.e. an experienced clinical pharmacist, and iii) independently conducted medication reconciliations and -reviews presented to the supervisor for feedback and reflection.

Of 46 participants in the last four years, 39 (85 %) completed a questionnaire. Participants scored their overall satisfaction with a median of 6 (range 4-6) on a scale from 1 to 6. Participants highlighted the way the course is organized and facilitated by skilled lecturers, active learning with feedback, peer learning, and work relevance as positive factors.

A comprehensive work-integrated training program with various and active learning methods that can be used as a template in settings where pharmacists graduate at novice level in medication reconciliation and -reviews has been developed. The program is appreciated by participants, seems to improve their professional confidence, and could ensure standardised high quality clinical pharmacy services.