RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Pharmacist licensure exam first-time pass rates have declined for several years. Predictors of licensure exam performance, including the Pharmacy College Admission Test, are no longer required, necessitating alternative strategies. Our aim is to assess the relationship between numerical scores on advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) exams and pharmacist licensure exams first-time pass rates. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational analysis. APPE examination results between May 2020 and November 2023 were analyzed for association with licensure information from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Exam scores were collected for student cohorts graduating from 2021 to 2022 as study cohort data. Correlation between exam scores and probability of successful licensure was assessed using logistic regression. A classification and regression tree analysis identified the most significant threshold. Predictive ability of the best-fit model was prospectively validated using the 2023 graduate cohort. RESULTS: The overall licensure success rate was 80.6% for the study cohort (2021-2022, n = 206). Exam scores were well correlated to the likelihood of licensing success. The most significant threshold was 77.8%. The success rate was 82.5% vs 16.7% for those scoring above and below the threshold, respectively. The observed and predicted licensure success rates were 91.0% and 88.8%, respectively, in the validation cohort (2023, n = 89). The positive and negative prediction values were 94.9% and 40.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The performances on APPE exams were reasonable in predicting the first-time licensure success rate for a graduating class. Our assessment appears promising as a risk-stratification tool for students in gaining successful pharmacist licensure.

Asunto(s)

Educación en Farmacia , Evaluación Educacional , Licencia en Farmacia , Farmacéuticos , Estudiantes de Farmacia , Humanos , Evaluación Educacional/estadística & datos numéricos , Evaluación Educacional/normas , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estudiantes de Farmacia/estadística & datos numéricos , Educación en Farmacia/estadística & datos numéricos , Farmacéuticos/estadística & datos numéricos , Farmacéuticos/normas , Texas , Estudios de Cohortes

RESUMEN

Professional identity formation (PIF) throughout the pharmacy curriculum is important for learners to transform from layperson to pharmacist. To be effective, PIF activities need intentional development and support. Professional identity is often seen as the core component of PIF; however, there must be an emphasis on integrating and aligning an individual's personal identity through this process. Moreover, there has been an emphasis on upholding diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism efforts in pharmacy practice and education. There is a need to explore experiences of PIF among diverse populations, including learners underrepresented in pharmacy. This commentary explores the differences in PIF among underrepresented learners in health care disciplines and is a call to action to explore evidence-based interventions that are inclusive and tailored to individual learners. This commentary sets a foundation for additional scholarly work and recommendations regarding PIF among underrepresented learners.

Asunto(s)

Curriculum , Educación en Farmacia , Estudiantes de Farmacia , Humanos , Educación en Farmacia/métodos , Estudiantes de Farmacia/psicología , Aprendizaje , Identificación Social , Diversidad Cultural , Farmacéuticos/estadística & datos numéricos , Grupos Minoritarios

RESUMEN

Pharmacy preceptors are crucial in pharmacy experiential education. They help develop learners during didactic learning, experiential learning, and post-graduate training. Preceptors hold a position of authority over learners as they are responsible for providing feedback and ultimately completing evaluations that determine whether the student passes or does not pass the rotation. Preceptor status, behavior, and communication style may cause students to feel intimidated. Preceptors should be aware of this power differential and keep generational, gender, cultural, and other factors in mind when providing feedback. Preceptors should also receive training and be open to constructive feedback from learners to ensure the experience meets the needs of the learner and allow for adjustments on the experiential rotation. Students should be empowered to provide open and honest feedback to preceptors in a psychologically safe environment without fear of repercussions.