Integrating a longitudinal ward placement into the hospital pharmacist pre-registration year: a design-based research approach

Kinsey, Hannah (2020) Integrating a longitudinal ward placement into the hospital pharmacist pre-registration year: a design-based research approach. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background
Qualifying as a pharmacist in the United Kingdom typically comprises a four-year degree and one year of pre-registration training in the workplace, followed by a registration assessment. Within the hospital setting, the pre-registration year usually consists of short block rotations (1-3 weeks) through different areas. In medical education, longitudinal placements (minimum of 13-weeks), have demonstrated benefits over short block rotations. Longitudinal placements afford students more time, which communities of practice theory emphasises as important, for building positive working relationships that enable learning opportunities.
The aim of this research was to develop an alternative model for hospital pre-registration pharmacist training.

Methods
The design-based research approach underpinned this research, using learning theories and stakeholder engagement to inform the process.
Four iterative studies were undertaken: analysis and exploration of stakeholder views on current and proposed training models, design and construction of a ward placement, evaluating a prototype placement using alpha testing and evaluating a longitudinal placement using beta testing.

Results
The registration assessment was a barrier to exploring alternative pre-registration training models, such as a ward placement. Multi-disciplinary stakeholder engagement overcame this barrier and a longitudinal 13-week ward placement was constructed. A prototype placement revealed the design was suitable for pre-registration pharmacist training.
The longitudinal placement identified that pre-registration pharmacists became part of the ward team, which enriched their learning experience, supported their development and improved the ward pharmacy service. Recommendations for incorporating longitudinal placements into hospital pre-registration training included identifying ward teams that had a positive learning culture and ward pharmacists who were passionate about developing people.

Conclusion
Longitudinal placements as part of hospital pre-registration pharmacist training present an alternative training model, which have additional benefits for pre-registration pharmacists, staff teams and patients. Further research into 13-week longitudinal placements is warranted to determine their effectiveness and impact on pre-registration/foundation pharmacist training.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Pharmacy
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	21 Apr 2021 11:01
Last Modified:	21 Apr 2021 11:01
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/79831
DOI:

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