Evaluation of pharmacy students’ knowledge and perceptions of transitions of care services

Abstract

Introduction: Studies support incorporation of pharmacists and pharmacy students to improve health and financial outcomes during transition of care (TOC).  Standardisation of TOC educational training is currently lacking in pharmacy curricula.  Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a convenience sample at one college of pharmacy. Students participated in an anonymous Qualtrics survey including items on TOC service understanding and educational training. Results are reported as means and standard deviation for continuous data; frequencies and percentages for categorical data.  Results: Of 116 survey responses, 112 provided informed consent. Seventy-eight percent of respondents stated they have learned about TOC and 66% felt they understood what TOC entails. When asked to identify disease states commonly targeted for TOC, 77% responded incorrectly to this item. When asked to select TOC clinical activities, 66% incorrectly selected medication dispensing. Ninety-six percent of respondents replied that additional educational training on TOC would be beneficial.  Conclusion: There is a discrepancy in students’ perception of TOC services with their actual knowledge of TOC services based on survey responses.