A 20-year perspective on preparation strategies and career planning of pharmacy deans.

Objective: To provide a longitudinal description of the variety of career paths and preparation strategies of pharmacy deans.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design using survey research methodology was used. Chief executive officer (CEO) deans at every full and associate member institution of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) in the United States as of May 1, 2009, were potential subjects.

Best practices for survey research reports revisited: implications of target population, probability sampling, and response rate.

Several papers have been published recently in the Journal addressing "best practices" for survey research manuscripts. This paper explores in more detail the effects of the target population size on sample size determination, probability sampling versus census approaches, and response rates and the relationship to potential nonresponse bias. Survey research is a complex methodology requiring expertise in the planning, execution, and analytic stages.

Programmatic assessment of student experiences using a longitudinal survey.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to gather longitudinal data on a pharmacy class cohort concerning programmatic components as well as develop a profile of student experiences as they progress through the curriculum.

Methods: The Class of 2006 (n = 67) completed a 2 page instrument at the conclusion of the first 3 professional years (PY) concerning hours spent in various activities, overall quality of various programmatic components, relationships with others in the college, and employment information. During senior week, a more extensive exit survey was administered.

Use of reflective portfolios in health sciences education.

Reflective portfolios are a collection of evidence that through critical reflection on its contents demonstrate achievement as well as personal and professional development. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on the use of reflective portfolios and to develop a set of factors to guide schools and colleges of pharmacy as they implement reflective portfolios into their respective curricula as stated in Standards 2007.

Curriculum mapping in program assessment and evaluation.

Objectives: To demonstrate a curriculum mapping technique and its use in program evaluation and assessment, as well as to provide specific recommendations for potential uses in pharmacy education.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design based on a learning outcomes document and several existing student and curricular data sets.

Results: The population consisted of 209 PharmD students at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy (UACOP) during the 2004-2005 academic year and mapped 31 of the 34 required didactic courses in the curriculum.

Emerging role of epidemiologic literacy.

Background: The ability to understand and apply epidemiology methods is a growing part of pharmacy practice, pharmacy accreditation standards, and evidence-based practice.

Objective: To examine the trends in epidemiology-related terminology used in the literature over the past 20 years.

Methods: The frequency of the use of epidemiology-related terminology in 3 representative pharmacy journals, 2 representative medical journals, and 1 public health journal from January through December 1984, 1994, and 2004 was recorded.