Considerations for remediation policy and procedures in pharmacy education.

Introduction: Despite the heterogeneous nature of remediation definitions, processes, and impact on learning, it is commonly understood as a process for identifying student deficiencies in knowledge, skills, and attitudes that need to be corrected prior to student progression in the program.

Commentary: Current issues related to remediation in pharmacy education include inconsistencies in practices and types within and among institutions, a lack of correlation to student academic success, effects on attrition both positive (student staying on-time for graduation) and negative (students sitting back one year), increase in faculty workload, and negativity or stigma associated with the student.

Implications: Key considerations in developing and implementing remediation policies and procedures include being student-focused, providing a positive frame for remediation, implementing a clear process, and early identification of students who need help.