title: Views of pharmacists and mentors on experiential learning for pharmacist supplementary prescribing trainees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the views and experiences of pharmacists and their mentoring designated medical practitioners (DMPs) about the 'period of learning in practice' (PLP) as part of supplementary prescribing (SP) training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two focus groups (n = 5 and 7) of SP pharmacists were organised in Scotland. The experiences and views of DMPs (n = 13) were explored using one-to-one telephone interviews. The focus groups and interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Views and experiences of pharmacists and DMPs about the PLP.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Planning the PLP in consultation with the DMP was found to be crucial for an optimal learning experience. Pharmacists who did not have a close working relationship with the medical team had difficulties in identifying a DMP and organising their PLP. Participants stressed the importance of focusing on and achieving the core competencies for prescribers during the PLP. Input from doctors involved in the training of others, review of consultation videos, and formal independent assessment including clinical assessment at the end of the PLP might improve the quality of the PLP. Forums for discussing experiences during the PLP and gathering information might be valuable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings have implications for prescribing training for pharmacists in the future. The PLP should focus on core competencies with input from doctors involved in the training of others and have a formal assessment of consultation skills. Support for pharmacists in organising the PLP and forums for discussing experiences during the PLP would be valuable.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, The Robert Gordon University, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Johnson
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cleland
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: Dorothy J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: McCaig
authors.forename: I T Scott
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.forename: H Lesley
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Diack
authors.forename: Derek C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists; D010820:Physicians