title: Complete-block scheduling for advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An innovative approach to meeting increased student demand for advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) is described, including lessons learned during a two-year pilot project.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To achieve more efficient allocation of preceptor resources, the University of Florida College of Pharmacy (UFCOP) adopted a new APPE rotation model in which 20 pharmacy students per year complete all required and elective APPEs at one practice site, an affiliated academic medical center. Relative to the prevailing model of experiential training for Pharm.D. students, the "complete-block scheduling" model offers a number of potential benefits to students, preceptors, and the pharmacy school. In addition to potentially reduced student housing expenses and associated conveniences, complete-block scheduling may enable (1) more efficient use of teaching resources, (2) increased collaboration among preceptors, (3) greater continuity and standardization of educational experiences, and (4) enhanced opportunities for students to engage in longer and more complex research projects. The single-site APPE rotation model also can provide value to the training site by enabling the extension of clinical pharmacy services; for example, UFCOP students perform anticoagulation monitoring and discharge medication counseling at the host institution. Despite logistical and other challenges encountered during pilot testing of the new scheduling model, the program has been well received by students and preceptors alike.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complete-block APPE scheduling is a viable model for some health systems to consider as a means of streamlining experiential education practices and helping to ensure high-quality clinical rotations for Pharm.D. students.
authors.affiliation: Randy C. Hatton, B.Pharm., Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, is Clinical Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida (UF); at the time of writing, he was Director, Shands Block Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Program, Director, Drug Information and Pharmacy Resource Center, Shands at UF, and Clinical Professor, College of Pharmacy, UF, Gainesville. Kristin W. Weitzel, Pharm.D., FAPhA, CDE, is Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Director, UF Health Personalized Medicine Program; at the time of writing, she was Director of Experiential Education and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, UF.
authors.forename: Randy C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hatton
authors.forename: Kristin W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Weitzel
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013339:Students, Pharmacy