Background: Increased emphasis on workplace-based learning within pharmacy curricula has led to a focus on the quality of preceptors and the provision of preceptor training, with a diverse range of training programs for preceptors being developed across the globe. To ensure that preceptors are trained appropriately and deemed to be competent in their role, it is essential that all training programs are suitably evaluated. This research aimed to evaluate an online preceptor training program at a regional Australian University.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIncreased experiential learning within pharmacy education has highlighted the need for quality preceptors, leading to a recent focus on their development and training. This study describes the design, development and implementation of a pharmacist preceptor training program in a regional Australian University. The design of this program utilized the results of a previously conducted scoping review of preceptor training programs and a comprehensive preceptor training needs analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmacist preceptors are fundamental to experiential placements and their training is considered essential to provide a quality and consistent student placement experience. To optimise the impact of training, the views of key stakeholders are required to inform the design of a training program. This commentary aims to synthesise the perceptions of the stakeholders, including community pharmacy preceptors, academic staff and students on preceptor training requirements.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe pharmacist preceptor is key to the success of pharmacy student experiential placements with a recent focus being placed on the quality of preceptors. This study sought to investigate student perceptions of the ideal roles and attributes of pharmacist preceptors to inform the development of a preceptor training program. This was a mixed methods study using an online survey of pharmacy students from levels two to four of an undergraduate pharmacy honours program at a regional Australian university followed by qualitative, semi-structured focus group interviews.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo review the literature pertaining to pharmacy preceptor training programs. Preceptor training is becoming increasingly important to maintain the quality of experiential training and professional development of pharmacy students, preregistration trainees, and residents. This review found limited documented examples of preceptor training programs and wide variation in both their design and delivery, which was attributed to the diversity of pharmacy practice workplaces and the different types of trainees.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo design and evaluate a professional identity program (PIP) based on self-determination theory (SDT) for entering Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) students. The PIP, which featured autonomy-supportive teaching approaches, was delivered as 10 workshops that were integrated into existing pharmacy courses over the first four semesters (2 years) of the BPharm program. The program was evaluated using a student satisfaction survey and two previously validated tools for measuring professional identity (MCPIS-9) and motivation to study pharmacy (Pharm-S).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Self-determination theory (SDT), which describes a continuum of motivation regulators, is proposed as an appropriate framework to study pharmacy student motivation. The aim was to develop a Pharmacy Motivation Scale (Pharm-S) to determine motivation regulators in undergraduate students and explore a possible link to professional identity development.
Methods: The Pharm-S was adapted from the SDT-based, Sports Motivation Scale (SMS-II), and administered to undergraduate students in an Australian pharmacy course.
Professional identity development, seen as essential in the transition from student to professional, needs to be owned by the universities in order to ensure a workforce appropriately prepared to provide global health care in the future. The development of professional identity involves a focus on who the student is becoming, as well as what they know or can do, and requires authentic learning experiences such as practice exposure and interaction with pharmacist role models. This article examines conceptual frameworks aligned with professional identity development and will explore the role for self-determination theory (SDT) in pharmacy professional education.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLittle research exists on the formation of professional identity in higher education health programs. Such programs may approach the teaching, learning, and assessment of professionalism based upon a suite of attitudes, values, and behaviors considered indicative of a practicing professional. During this transition, professional identity formation can be achieved through student engagement with authentic experiences and interaction with qualified professionals.
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