A public health discussion series in an advanced pharmacy practice experience

Abstract

Objectives: To develop and integrate a student-centered, active-learning public health discussion series into an existing advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) to enhance knowledge and encourage integration of public health activities into students' future careers.

Design: Students participated in 3 hour-long discussions to define and identify the scope of public health and to examine public health initiatives outside of and within health care.

Assessment: Improvement in the ability to accurately define public health was observed after students participated in the discussion series compared to baseline. Post-discussion definitions were more broad and accurate. Unsolicited comments about the discussion series documented in post-APPE reflections described students' initial lack of knowledge, improved knowledge base, and improved interest in participating in public health initiatives.

Conclusions: Time devoted to public health discussions during an APPE can substantially impact student pharmacists' knowledge base and interest in public health. Additionally, this active-learning technique aids in meeting the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) public health standards.

Keywords: active learning; advanced pharmacy practice experience; experiential education; public health; student pharmacists.