Implementation and Effectiveness of an Immersive Continuing Professional Development Elective for Student Pharmacists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: To examine the implementation and effectiveness of a continuing professional development (CPD) elective for fourth-year student pharmacists.

Methods: A 4-week, remote CPD elective was developed and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Class of 2021. Students worked through each step of the CPD cycle, logged activities that facilitated achievement of self-identified goals, and submitted a final CPD portfolio and written reflection describing their experience applying the CPD approach. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews and electronic, web-based surveys. Early implementation outcomes measured included acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. The interview guide was based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results: All CPD elective students (100%, n=80) completed course requirements and surveys and passed the course. Implementation outcomes were 83.4% acceptability, 93% appropriateness, and 86.6% feasibility. Students reported full (62.9%) or partial (35%) achievement of self-identified goals and satisfaction with their learning outcomes (92.5%). Compared to Class of 2021 students not taking the elective, CPD elective students were more likely to have used a structured tool to identify professional strengths, areas of improvement, and learning opportunities, and to document a learning plan to achieve their goals. Twelve students participated in interviews. Students responded positively to the CPD experience and recognized the value of CPD training in achieving professional goals and preparing for lifelong learning. Participants appreciated the personalization, autonomy, and flexibility the elective offered, which increased perceived motivation and engagement in the learning process.

Conclusion: The CPD elective provided an acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and effective CPD experience within the PharmD curriculum. Findings may be used to support development of future CPD activities within pharmacy education.