A renal transplantation advanced pharmacy practice experience

Abstract

Objectives: To establish and evaluate an ambulatory care renal transplantation clinic advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE).

Design: Students spend 5 weeks performing pharmaceutical care activities for renal transplant patients, presenting health-related topics, and conducting research. A paired t test was used to determine differences between students' pre- and post-APPE test scores. Standardized evaluations completed by the preceptor and the students were used to evaluate learning and the APPE.

Assessment: Posttest scores were significantly higher than pretest scores (n = 17; 88.2 +/- 7.3 vs 55.9 +/- 22.4; p < 0.001). Overall, students found this APPE enjoyable and believed that it increased their knowledge concerning transplant medicine and patient care.

Conclusion: With the recommendation that all transplant programs have clinical pharmacy services, it is imperative to train students to care for transplant patients. Information in this manuscript can be used as a guide for utilizing the combined resources from schools of pharmacy and transplantation centers to implement a renal transplant ambulatory care APPE.