Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing a cognitive apprenticeship theory (CAT) model into a Doctor of Pharmacy course in improving clinical reasoning skills of third-year student pharmacists over time and preparing them for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). Methods: This was a single center, nonrandomized, observational before-and-after study from January 2022 through May 2022. Third-year student pharmacists enrolled in the Critical Care Integrated Drugs and Disease pharmacotherapy course at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy were administered a well-established and nationally recognized clinical patient case assessment on weeks 1 and 15 of the course. Students were asked to prioritize patient problems and provide recommendations for therapy, goals, and monitoring. Responses were then scored using a predefined case key. In addition, student pharmacists were asked to self-evaluate their confidence in APPE readiness on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Of the 136 student pharmacists enrolled in the course, 92 (68%) student pharmacists completed both week 1 and week 15 clinical cases and self-assessment surveys, provided informed consent, and were included. Cumulative clinical case scores were significantly increased from week 1 to week 15 (34.8 vs 39.7). In addition, significant improvement was seen in overall problem prioritization, overall recommendations, and self-perceived preparedness for APPE rotations. Conclusion: The use of a CAT model into a 15-week pharmacotherapy course improved comprehensive scores of clinical reasoning assessment in third-year student pharmacists and was associated with increased self-perceived confidence and readiness for APPEs.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 100625 |
Journal | American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2023 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
Keywords
- APPE
- Clinical reasoning
- Cognitive apprenticeship
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Pharmacy
- General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics