Analysis of Student Perceptions Before and After Interprofessional International Medical Mission APPEs to Honduras

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated student perceptions before and after completing a five-week Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) in International Healthcare focused on Medical Missions. Our objective was to understand how a medical mission APPE course meets student expectations, expanded interprofessional skills, and the impact the medical mission APPEs had on student’s cultural sensitivity and empathetic approach to patient care. Methods: Two anonymous surveys were used to assess APPE student’s perceptions. These were conducted over 2 years with the first survey administered prior to trip departure. The second survey was administered after the in-country experience but prior to the end of the course. Survey results were compared to identify changes in perspectives related to providing patient care and to ensure students met course objectives. Additionally, in the surveys, students were asked to reflect on learning experiences including interprofessional clinics, medication distribution, empathy, and the Honduran healthcare system. Results: Student’s primary motivation for taking this APPE elective was their desire to help others. Students reflected on the difficulties in communication with patients who spoke another language where access to technology was limited and they had to rely on interpreters. Prior to trip, a large percentage of the students on the survey did not demonstrate an understanding of the depth of poverty experienced in Honduras. Post–trip perceptions confirmed the change in perception versus reality when experiencing life in a developing country. Survey results suggested this APPE experience was a life changing one for them (67%) and changed their perception of patients as a healthcare provider (83%). Conclusions: Results of this study demonstrate the value of exposing students to healthcare in a developing country as a component of the APPE curriculum. Even more important is recognizing the need for schools of pharmacy, experiential consortiums, and professional organizations to partner to ensure the continuation of these experiences post-pandemic. Students indicated this was a life-changing experience, recommended this as a course for other students to take, and stated this course would markedly affect them in their approach to providing empathetic patient care.