Pilot evaluation of a continuing professional development tool for developing leadership skills.
BACKGROUND
Strategies are needed to assure essential nonclinical competencies, such as leadership, can be gained using a continuing professional development (CPD) framework.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to explore student pharmacists' utilization and perceived effectiveness of a CPD tool for leadership development in an elective course.


METHODS
Students completed 2 CPD cycles during a semester-long leadership elective using a CPD tool. A questionnaire was used to measure students' perceptions of utility, self-efficacy, and satisfaction in completing CPD cycles when using a tool to aid in this process.


RESULTS
The CPD tool was completed twice by 7 students. On average, students spent nearly 5 hours per CPD cycle. More than half (57.1%) scored themselves as successful or very successful in achieving their learning plans, and most (71.4%) found the tool somewhat useful in developing their leadership skills. Some perceived that the tool provided a systematic way to engage in leadership development, whereas others found it difficult to use.


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot study, most student pharmacists successfully achieved a leadership development plan and found the CPD tool useful. Providing students with more guidance may help facilitate use and effectiveness of CPD tools. There is a need to continue to develop and refine tools that assist in the CPD of pharmacy practitioners at all levels.
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. brandonjpatterson@gmail.com
Brandon J
BJ
Patterson
Elizabeth H
EH
Chang
Matthew J
MJ
Witry
Oscar W
OW
Garza
CoraLynn B
CB
Trewet
D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004513:Education, Pharmacy, Continuing / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011361:Professional Competence; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013192:Staff Development; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires