Using a novel approach to collect, disseminate, and assess residency application materials.

Purpose: The implementation of a Web-based tool for pharmacy resident application submission and management in a teaching-affiliated institution is described.

Summary: To improve and increase the efficiency of its residency application submission and management process, pharmacy leadership at the University of Michigan abandoned the traditional paper-based process for selecting and communicating with residency candidates for an onsite interview. CTools, a customized version of the open-source Sakai learning content management system, was used to construct the pharmacy residency application and evaluation site. At its core, Sakai is a framework that allows a community of educators and programmers to develop tools that aid in the management, delivery, and communication related to learning and collaboration. The CTools site for residency recruitment was configured to allow candidates, including those not affiliated with the university, to request access to the application site and to create an account. In addition, the site allows preceptors and the residency advisory committee (RAC) members to review submitted application materials. The CTools site uses three basic learning management system (LMS) modules: announcements, assignments, and resources. The announcements module provides an easy way to distribute information to the candidates. The assignment module is a secure area where candidate application materials are compiled into folders and made available to those staff members who need to review the application. The resources module is a repository of required residency documents and forms.

Conclusion: An institution transitioned from its traditional manual process to a Web-based tool to collect and share residency application materials in a more streamlined fashion.