RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: A national pre-registration pharmacist recruitment scheme, which replaces the local recruitment models, was introduced in England and Wales in 2017. This study aimed to explore pharmacy students' behaviour and associated factors in their selection of pre-registration training programmes. METHODS: A mixed-method study using (a) analysis of data from all applicants (n = 2694) of the national recruitment scheme, (b) an online survey and (c) a virtual focus group was undertaken. Survey and focus group questions were developed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Descriptive and inferential analysis of quantitative data was undertaken using Stata software. Qualitative data from focus groups and responses from the open-ended questions were analysed using framework technique. KEY FINDINGS: A vast majority of applicants (n = 2182, 83.9%) selected a hospital training programme as their first ranked preference, with the rest opting for community pharmacy. Urban areas, particularly London, were most popular geographically. A total of 307 survey responses were returned. Long-term career aspirations, followed by geographical factors, were rated most highly in applicants' decision-making. Qualitative data from survey and focus group demonstrated information about programmes/employers, perceived opportunity for skills development and aspiration towards a career path as key contributory factors in their decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary care was the most desirable destination for pharmacy students to undertake early career training. The clinical roles and career opportunities in community pharmacy needs to be promoted as there is a risk that community pharmacy training programme places may be seen as a 'left over' opportunity for less competitive candidates to uptake.
Asunto(s)
Selección de Profesión , Educación en Farmacia , Estudiantes de Farmacia , Competencia Clínica , Servicios Comunitarios de Farmacia , Toma de Decisiones , Inglaterra , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Motivación , Selección de Personal , Estudiantes de Farmacia/psicología , GalesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: A national pre-registration pharmacist training recruitment scheme, which replaces local recruitment models, was introduced in England and Wales in 2017. The national recruitment system allows pharmacy students to apply for the 52 weeks training programmes (mandatory requirement for registration as a pharmacist), through a single application system prior to undertaking a nationally administered assessment. This study aimed to explore experiences of pharmacy students on the national recruitment scheme, particularly their views on the selection methodology, application process, and offer outcomes. METHODS: This mixed method study involved a) an online survey of all (approximate n = 2800) year 4 (final year of MPharm degree) pharmacy students in England and Wales and b) a qualitative focus group with four students. The study population was eligible to participate in the 2017/18 national recruitment scheme. Survey respondents were invited to participate in a focus group. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Qualitative data were analysed using the framework technique. Participation was voluntary. Ethical approval from University of Birmingham was obtained. RESULTS: A total of 307 completed surveys were returned (approximate response rate 11%). Respondents were generally satisfied with the application process and commended the fairness of the selection methodology and convenience in allowing them to apply to multiple training providers. Most survey respondents (n = 181, 72.9%) were either satisfied or highly satisfied with the training programme they were offered based on their assessment performances. Three themes and eight sub-themes obtained from the analysis of over 200 open comments data from the survey and transcript of a focus group with four participants. Results suggested the need to widen the timeframe available for applicants to shortlist their preferred employers, improve the method of programme listing in the application system, and consideration of prior achievements including academic performances and placement experiences to be included in the selection methodology. CONCLUSIONS: Experiences of pharmacy students on the national recruitment scheme suggest that respondents considered the selection methodology to be fair. Student engagement and satisfaction with the recruitment system can be maximised through improved listing of employers and widening the timescales for students to shortlist their preferred employers during application process. Inclusion of University achievements in the selection methodology will require consideration of evidence based approaches. Low response rate limits generalisation of findings.
Asunto(s)
Educación en Farmacia , Selección de Personal , Estudiantes de Farmacia , Inglaterra , Femenino , Grupos Focales , Humanos , Masculino , Investigación Cualitativa , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , GalesRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To establish whether undertaking cross-sector pharmacy apprenticeship training to become a pharmacy assistant equally split across the two main pharmacy sectors improves training experience and cross-sector understanding. METHODS: A mixed method approach was utilised to explore the experiences of 10 pharmacy apprentices, their employers and education provider. Questionnaires were used to explore apprentices' experiences and views following each 6-month placement. Seven pharmacy employers and the education provider were invited to take part in telephone interviews. Questionnaires were analysed using simple frequencies; qualitative data were analysed thematically. KEY FINDINGS: Ten apprentices were recruited, and nine apprentices returned questionnaires from at least one placement. Three hospital-based employers, four community employers and one education provider were interviewed. All participants had found the pilot positive and the cross-sector training to have been a useful experience. Employers noted that the pilot provided the apprentice with valuable insight into the patient's journey and the opportunity to share learning across sectors. Employers also commented that more information regarding the nature of the training would have been useful to help better structure the placement for the apprentice. CONCLUSIONS: This paper explores the benefits and challenges of employing a pharmacy apprentice and utilising a novel cross-sector training model. Findings have potential relevance to the training of other pharmacy staff, including pharmacy technicians and pharmacists. They offer early insights into the potential value of pharmacy apprenticeships for training pharmacy assistants, particularly if these are set up across the two main sectors hospital and community pharmacy.