title: A model for partnering first-year student pharmacists with community-based older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To design, integrate, and assess the effectiveness of an introductory pharmacy practice experience intended to redefine first-year student pharmacists' views on aging and medication use through their work with a healthy, community-based older-adult population.
  
  
  METHODS
  All students (N = 273) completed live skills training in an 8-hour boot camp provided during orientation week. Teams were assigned an independently living senior partner, completed 10 visits and reflections, and documented health-related information using an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio).
  
  
  RESULTS
  As determined by pre- and post-experience survey instruments, students gained significant confidence in 7 skill areas related to communication, medication interviews, involving the partner in health care, and applying patient-care skills. Student reflections, in-class presentations, and e-portfolios documented that personal attitudes toward seniors changed over time. Senior partners enjoyed mentoring and interacting with students and many experienced health improvements as a result of the interaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The model for partnering first-year student pharmacists with community-based older adults improved students' skills and fostered their connections to pharmacist roles and growth as person-centered providers.
authors: University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, 53705-2222, USA. bamartin@pharmacy.wisc.edu
authors: Beth A
authors: BA
authors: Martin
authors: Andrea L
authors: AL
authors: Porter
authors: Lauren
authors: L
authors: Shawl
authors: Susannah E
authors: SE
authors: Motl Moroney
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011364:Professional Practice; D024382:Professional Role; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology*