ABSTRACT
As a result of restrictions imposed by COVID-19, many researchers have responded to the call for remote, advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) that do not involve direct patient care. The influx of materials on online pedagogy may be difficult for new preceptors to digest while familiarizing themselves with the APPE program. To complement the available guidance on remote learning for new preceptors, we describe our experiences with implementing a remote, research-focused APPE during COVID-19. Common challenges are discussed and potential solutions that may help new preceptors anticipate and overcome barriers to achieving the educational outcomes of research-focused APPE are proposed.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Education, Pharmacy/organization & administration , Pharmacy Research/organization & administration , Preceptorship/organization & administration , Curriculum , Humans , Pandemics , Problem-Based Learning , Students, PharmacyABSTRACT
Across the globe, pharmacists on the frontline continue to fight COVID-19 and its continuously evolving physical, mental, and economic consequences armed by their knowledge, professionalism, and dedication. Their need for credible scientific evidence to inform their practice has never been more urgent. Despite the exponentially increasing number of publications since the start of the pandemic, questions remain unanswered, and more are created, than have been resolved by the increasing number of publications. A panel of leading journal editors was convened by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Pharmacy Practice Research Special Interest Group to discuss the current status of COVID-19 related research, provide their recommendations, and identify focal points for pharmacy practice, social pharmacy, and education research moving forward. Key priorities identified spanned a wide range of topics, reflecting the need for good quality research to inform practice and education. The panel insisted that a foundation in theory and use of rigorous methods should continue forming the basis of inquiry and its resultant papers, regardless of topic area. From assessing the clinical and cost effectiveness of COVID-19 therapies and vaccines to assessing different models of pharmaceutical services and education delivery, these priorities will ensure that our practice is informed by the best quality scientific evidence at this very challenging time.