Students’ experience and perception of a virtual surgical advanced pharmacy practice elective

Abstract

Background: This article describes a virtual surgery advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) designed during the COVID-19 outbreak for undergraduate students. Additionally, the article evaluates the implementation process of the APPE and students’ perceived effectiveness of the virtual experience on their learning.    Methods: A virtual four-week APPE course was designed involving 12 interns using Microsoft Teams. All pre-scheduled activities and meetings with students were performed remotely. The virtual APPE was assessed through an overall outcome survey and a weekly quality survey.     Results: The implementation of the APPE was successful with students agreeing that they effectively managed to meet the objectives of the rotation. Students believed that APPE enhanced their knowledge and skills in surgical pharmacy practice. Their interest in working in a Perioperative clinical pharmacist position increased after the rotation from 50% to 70%.    Conclusion: A virtual surgical APPE that is positively perceived by students can be implemented. Further research is needed to assess the impact of a virtual rotation on clinical skills.