Are you ready to rotate? A one-week intensive Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) orientation course

Abstract

Objective: To describe an innovative, one-week, required course designed to prepare students for advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) and provide professional development resources. Methods: Course activities focused on orienting students to APPE expectations and mimicked APPE activities. Students completed a pre- and post-self-assessment of comfort level with APPE activities and expectations. A voluntary survey was provided nine months into APPEs to determine the impact of course content. Results: Self-assessment scores statistically improved on all domains assessed. Evaluating a formal patient presentation, preparing an in-service assignment, and conducting a literature search had the greatest improvement in comfort level. In the follow-up survey, the introductory email to preceptor, literature search, and drug information resources and triaging patient care questions were most effective in improving their APPE preparedness. Conclusion: A comprehensive APPE orientation and professional development course improved student confidence for APPEs. A follow-up survey completed during APPEs suggests continuing value of course activities.