Pharmacy students' perceptions of their preparedness to provide pharmaceutical care.
OBJECTIVE
To assess students' perceptions of their preparedness to perform advanced pharmacy practice competencies.


METHODS
The Preparedness to Provide Pharmaceutical Care (PREP) survey was modified and administered to each class at a Midwestern university from 2005-2008. Factor analysis and 1-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons were applied to assess the effectiveness of changes made in the pharmacy curriculum.


RESULTS
Factor analysis yielded patterns similar to those reported in the literature. Students rated themselves highest on the psychological aspects and lowest on the administrative aspects of care. Perceived pharmaceutical care skills grew as students progressed through the curriculum, and changes in coursework were reflected in the competencies.


CONCLUSIONS
Students' perceived competencies (ie, communication, psychological, technical, administrative) were similar to those at other institutions and perceptions of competencies increased in a manner consistent with actual program outcomes.
Scott
David M
DM
College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences, North Dakota State University, North Dakota 58105-5055, USA. david.scott@ndsu.edu
Friesner
Daniel L
DL
Miller
Donald R
DR
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000592:standards*; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology*