Exploring Professional and Interprofessional Identities in Student Pharmacists: A Comparative Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Professional Identity Development
• Interprofessional Healthcare

Background:

• Professional identity (PI) and interprofessional identity (IPI) are crucial for healthcare professionals.
• Understanding these identities in student pharmacists is vital for effective practice.
• Perceptions of PI and IPI can evolve throughout pharmacy education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare PI and IPI in third- (P3) and fourth-year (P4) student pharmacists.
• To explore the intercorrelations between PI and IPI in these student cohorts.
• To identify factors influencing PI and IPI among student pharmacists.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to P3 and P4 student pharmacists.
• The Macleod-Clark Professional Identity Scale (MCPIS-9) and Extended Professional Identity Scale (EPIS) were used.
• Reliability, factor structure, cohort comparisons, correlations, and predictors were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Both P3 and P4 students demonstrated high PI and IPI.
• P4 students showed stronger professional association compared to P3 students.
• PI and IPI were consistent across demographics and academic plans, with weak positive correlations between them.

Conclusions:

• Student pharmacists possess strong PI and IPI, exhibiting multiple professional identities.
• PI and IPI are distinct yet related constructs, reinforced by advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
• These findings have implications for pharmacy curriculum development and professional socialization.