scholarly journals National recruitment scheme for pre-registration pharmacist training in England and Wales: a mixed method evaluation of experiences of applicant pharmacy students

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura McEwen-Smith ◽  
Malcolm James Price ◽  
Gail Fleming ◽  
Tim Swanwick ◽  
Christine Hirsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Application System ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Recruitment System ◽  
Selection Methodology ◽  
Pharmacist Training

Abstract Background A national pre-registration pharmacist training recruitment scheme, which replaces local recruitment models, was introduced in England and Wales in 2017. The national recruitment system allows pharmacy students to apply for the 52 weeks training programmes (mandatory requirement for registration as a pharmacist), through a single application system prior to undertaking a nationally administered assessment. This study aimed to explore experiences of pharmacy students on the national recruitment scheme, particularly their views on the selection methodology, application process, and offer outcomes. Methods This mixed method study involved a) an online survey of all (approximate n = 2800) year 4 (final year of MPharm degree) pharmacy students in England and Wales and b) a qualitative focus group with four students. The study population was eligible to participate in the 2017/18 national recruitment scheme. Survey respondents were invited to participate in a focus group. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Qualitative data were analysed using the framework technique. Participation was voluntary. Ethical approval from University of Birmingham was obtained. Results A total of 307 completed surveys were returned (approximate response rate 11%). Respondents were generally satisfied with the application process and commended the fairness of the selection methodology and convenience in allowing them to apply to multiple training providers. Most survey respondents (n = 181, 72.9%) were either satisfied or highly satisfied with the training programme they were offered based on their assessment performances. Three themes and eight sub-themes obtained from the analysis of over 200 open comments data from the survey and transcript of a focus group with four participants. Results suggested the need to widen the timeframe available for applicants to shortlist their preferred employers, improve the method of programme listing in the application system, and consideration of prior achievements including academic performances and placement experiences to be included in the selection methodology. Conclusions Experiences of pharmacy students on the national recruitment scheme suggest that respondents considered the selection methodology to be fair. Student engagement and satisfaction with the recruitment system can be maximised through improved listing of employers and widening the timescales for students to shortlist their preferred employers during application process. Inclusion of University achievements in the selection methodology will require consideration of evidence based approaches. Low response rate limits generalisation of findings.

scholarly journals Patients’ and clinicians’ experiences of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview: A mixed method study in a Swedish outpatient setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 542-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Idar Wallin ◽  
Marie Dahlin ◽  
Lauri Nevonen ◽  
Sofie Bäärnhielm
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Cultural Formulation ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Cultural Formulation Interview

This study is an evaluation of clinicians’ and patients’ experiences of the core Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) in DSM-5. The CFI provides a framework for gathering culturally relevant information, but its final form has not been sufficiently evaluated. Aims were to assess the Clinical Utility (CU), Feasibility (F) and Acceptability (A) of the CFI for clinicians and patients, and to explore clinicians’ experiences of using the CFI in a multicultural clinical setting in Sweden. A mixed-method design was applied, using the CFI Debriefing Instrument for Clinicians ( N = 15) and a revised version of the Debriefing Instrument for Patients ( N = 114) (DIC and DIP, scored from −2 to 2). Focus group interviews were conducted with clinicians. For patients (response rate 50%), the CU mean was 0.98 ( SD = 0.93) and F mean 1.07 ( SD = 0.83). Overall rating of the interview was 8.30 ( SD = 1.75) on a scale from 0 and 10. For clinicians (response rate 94%), the CU mean was 1.14 ( SD = 0.52), F 0.58 ( SD = 0.93) and A 1.42 ( SD = 0.44). From clinician focus-group interviews, the following themes were identified: approaching the patient and the problem in a new manner; co-creating rapport and understanding; and affecting clinical reasoning and assessment. Patients and clinicians found the CFI in DSM-5 to be a feasible, acceptable, and clinically useful assessment tool. The focus group interviews suggested that using the CFI at initial contact can help make psychiatric assessment patient-centred by facilitating patients’ illness narratives. We argue for further refinements of the CFI.

scholarly journals Remote OSCE Experience: What First Year Pharmacy Students Liked, Learned, and Suggested for Future Implementations

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Savage ◽  
Lana M. Minshew ◽  
Heidi N. Anksorus ◽  
Jacqueline E. McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
Concept Maps ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Skill Development ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Objective Structured Clinical Examination ◽  
First Year ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Assessment Strategies ◽  
Frequency Counts

During the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools quickly transitioned their teaching and assessment strategies to online formats. In Spring 2020, a 3-station remote Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was implemented for first-year pharmacy students. The day following the remote OSCEs students answered three open-text prompts about the remote OSCE experience: (1) “I liked...”, (2) “I learned…”, and (3) “I suggest…”. Responses were open-coded and frequency counts were calculated to determine the most prevalent codes. Concept maps were created to visualize and explore connections between the codes. Out of 157 students, 156 students completed the reflection assignment, a 99.36% response rate. The three major themes in the Liked data were: Logistics (n = 65, 41.7%), Differences In-person Versus Remote (n = 59, 37.8%), and Skill Development (n = 43, 27.6%). The three major themes in the Learned data were: Technology (n = 66, 42.3%), Communication (n = 58, 37.2%), and Skill Development (n = 56, 35.9%). The three major themes in the Suggest data were: Logistics (n = 89, 57.1%), Technology (n = 31, 19.9%), and Continuation of Remote OSCE (n = 31, 19.9%). Overall, the remote OSCE experience was well-received, and students described it as applicable to their future pharmacy practice. Future work should explore the design, implementation, and outcomes of remote OSCEs.

scholarly journals Improving Knowledge and Process for International Emergency Medicine Fellowship Applicants: A Call for a Uniform Application

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle A. Jacquet ◽  
Jamil D. Bayram ◽  
William B. Ewen ◽  
Bhakti Hansoti ◽  
Steven Andescavage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Application System ◽  
International Emergency Medicine ◽  
Application Service ◽  
Fellowship Programs ◽  
Recent Graduates ◽  
Universal Application

Background. There are currently 34 International Emergency Medicine (IEM) fellowship programs. Applicants and programs are increasing in number and diversity. Without a standardized application, applicants have a difficulty approaching programs in an informed and an organized method; a streamlined application system is necessary.Objectives. To measure fellows’ knowledge of their programs’ curricula prior to starting fellowship and to determine what percent of fellows and program directors would support a universal application system.Methods. A focus group of program directors, recent, and current fellows convened to determine the most important features of an IEM fellowship application process. A survey was administered electronically to a convenience sample of 78 participants from 34 programs. Respondents included fellowship directors, fellows, and recent graduates.Results. Most fellows (70%) did not know their program’s curriculum prior to starting fellowship. The majority of program directors and fellows support a uniform application service (81% and 67%, resp.) and deadline (85% for both). A minority of program directors (35%) and fellows (30%) support a formal match.Conclusions. Program directors and fellows support a uniform application service and deadline, but not a formalized match. Forums for disseminating IEM fellowship information and for administering a uniform application service and deadline are currently in development to improve the process.

scholarly journals Factors affecting academic self-efficacy and learning experiences of pharmacy students: Insights from a qualitative study in Zambia

2021 ◽  
pp. 133-144
Author(s):  
Aubrey Chichonyi Kalungia ◽  
Micheal Chigunta ◽  
James Sichone ◽  
Bugewa Apampa ◽  
Sarah Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Academic Self Efficacy

Background: Factors influencing how pharmacy students learn and experience pharmaceutical education have not been elucidated in Zambia. Aim: To elucidate contextual factors affecting academic self-efficacy and learning experiences among undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university in Zambia. Methods: A qualitative study utilising focus group discussions was conducted at the University of Zambia. Thirty-two undergraduate pharmacy students participated in four focus group discussions. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results: Four themes and eight sub-themes emerged from the data. Notional time management, learning style, and motivation; educational programme-related factors such as course load, the pace of teaching; the learning environment; and assessment practices affected undergraduate pharmacy students’ self-efficacy and learning experiences. Conclusion: Addressing the student-related, educational programme-related, and the learning environment factors identified in this study will contribute to the improvement of undergraduate pharmacy students’ learning experiences. This is premised to improve their educational outcomes and future practice of pharmaceutical care.

scholarly journals Self-Medication amongst the university students of Multan, Pakistan- A questionnaire based survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samman Chughtai
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Common Condition ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
The University

Self-medication is a common incidence in the world today. This study aims to evaluate self-medication among university students of Multan, Pakistan. This randomized cross sectional study was carried out in Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan during December 2015- January 216. A sample size of 200 students was randomly selected. Response rate was 90% (n=182).The prevalence of self-medication among the students was determined to be 83%. There was difference in perception of pharmacy students and students of other professions. Most common condition in which students did self-medication was headache (49.66%; n=75). Students also showed tendency of self-medication in case of herbal and essential oil products (46.35%). Awareness concerning insecurity and benefits of self-medication must be spread among students to avoid the complications of self-medication. 

scholarly journals Characteristics of influential peers in the eyes of secondary school students: a mixed method study

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (05) ◽  
pp. 429-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Y. Loke ◽  
Yim-wah Mak ◽  
Cynthia S.T. Wu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
At Risk Students ◽  
Health Risk Behaviors ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
School Students ◽  
Group Interviews

Aim It is the aim of this study to explore the characteristics of influential peers identified by schoolmates, and the mechanism by which they exert their influence on their peers. Background Adolescent crowds are a salient influence on the health-risk behaviors of peers, contributing to adolescent substance use such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and taking drugs. Methods A mixed method study. Three schools granted us access to students and those who had been nominated as influential by their peers. The students were asked to nominate and indicated the characteristics of peers whom they considered influential in a quantitative study. Those peers whom they considered influential were invited to take part in focus group interviews. A total of six focus group interviews were conducted, comprised of two groups from each school, with an average of seven participants in each group. Findings Students considered caring and friendliness (91.0%), being a buddy (88.5%), and entertaining/humor (86.8%) as the top three characteristics of influential peers. The interviews revealed that the students believed that they are influential because of their cheerfulness and humor, considerateness, ability to communicate, popularity and sociability, sincerity and trustworthiness, and because they possess the characteristics of a leader. They also believed that their power to influence came about through their helpfulness, accommodation, and the closeness of their relationships. Their influence was manifested in both positive and negative ways on the academic pursuits and health-risk behaviors of their peers. In order to engage at-risk students in health promotion programs, it is important to identify their influential peers, and to understand how adolescent friends may help one another to resist behaviors that pose a risk to their health.

scholarly journals Preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia—a mixed-method study to find behavioral leverage for better protocol adherence

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1222-1229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Wolfensberger ◽  
Marie-Theres Meier ◽  
Lauren Clack ◽  
Peter W. Schreiber ◽  
Hugo Sax
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Protocol Adherence ◽  
Group Interviews

AbstractObjectivePreventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important goal for intensive care units (ICUs). We aimed to identify the optimal behavior leverage to improve VAP prevention protocol adherence.DesignMixed-method study using adherence measurements to assess 4 VAP prevention measures and qualitative analysis of semi-structured focus group interviews with frontline healthcare practitioners (HCPs).SettingThe 6 ICUs in the 900-bed University Hospital Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland.Patients and participantsAdherence to VAP prevention measures were assessed in patients with a device for invasive ventilation (ie, endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube). Participants in focus group interviews included a convenience samples of ICU nurses and physicians.ResultsBetween February 2015 and July 2017, we measured adherence to 4 protocols: bed elevation showed adherence at 27% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 23%–31%); oral care at 41% (95% CI, 36%–45%); sedation interruption at 81% (95% CI, 74%–85%); and subglottic suctioning at 88% (95% CI, 83%–92%). Interviews were analyzed first inductively according a grounded theory approach then deductively against the behavior change wheel (BCW) framework. Main behavioral facilitators belonged to the BCW component ‘reflective motivation’ (ie, perceived seriousness of VAP and self-efficacy to prevent VAP). The main barriers belonged to ‘physical capability’ (ie, lack of equipment and staffing and side-effects of prevention measures). Furthermore, 2 primarily technical approaches (ie, ‘restructuring environment’ and ‘enabling HCP’) emerged as means to overcome these barriers.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that technical, rather than education-based, solutions should be promoted to improve VAP prevention. This theory-informed mixed-method approach is an effective means of guiding infection prevention efforts.

scholarly journals Making Progress in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Lessons: An Indonesian Tertiary Context

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 00111
Author(s):  
Novriani Rabeka Manafe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Focus Group Interview ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Significant Progress ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Method Approach

This paper outlines an attempt to discover students’ progress in both content and language skill in a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) lessons at an Indonesia’s higher education context. This is a part of a research conducted at Faculty of Science and Technology of Nusa Cendana University in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province. This study employs mixed method approach with 20 participants attending by taking pre-test and post-test as well as joining a focus group interview particularly for 6 students. The tests were aimed at measuring the participants’ comprehension of English as the language of CLIL lesson. They were also used as the tool to evaluate students’ mastery of Mathematics as the content subject. Based on the post-test results, the findings showed that more students made significant progress in content subject in comparison to their achievement in language proficiency. Regarding the interview, the students admitted that their failure to made progress in both subjects were mainly caused by their inadequate level of English. This, therefore, led to rising anxiety among the students to complete the tests.

scholarly journals Efficient Use of Clickers: A Mixed-Method Inquiry with University Teachers

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Pedagogical Content Knowledge ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge ◽  
Technological Knowledge ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Pedagogical Content ◽  
The Impact

With the advancement of information technology and policies encouraging interactivities in teaching and learning, the use of students’ response system (SRS), commonly known as clickers, has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The reported effectiveness of SRS has varied. Based on the framework of technological-pedagogical-content knowledge (TPACK), the current study attempted to explore the disparity in efficiency of adopting SRS. A concurrent mixed method design was adopted to delineate factors conducive to efficient adoption of SRS through closed-ended survey responses and qualitative data. Participants were purposefully sampled from diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds. Seventeen teachers from various disciplines (i.e., tourism management, business, health sciences, applied sciences, engineering, and social sciences) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University formed a teacher focus group for the current study. In the facilitated focus group, issues relating to efficient use of clickers, participants explored questions on teachers’ knowledge on various technologies, knowledge relating to their subject matters, methods and processes of teaching, as well as how to integrate all knowledge into their teaching. The TPACK model was adopted to guide the discussions. Emergent themes from the discussions were extracted using NVivo 10 for Windows, and were categorized according to the framework of TPACK. The survey, implemented on an online survey platform, solicited participants on teachers’ knowledge and technology acceptance. The close-ended survey comprised 30 items based on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and 20 items based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Participating teachers concurred with the suggestion that use of clickers is instrumental in engaging students in learning and assessing formative students’ progress. Converging with the survey results, several major themes contributing to the successful implementation of clickers, namely technology, technological-pedagogical, technological-content, technological-pedagogical-content knowledge, were identified from the teacher focus groups. The most and second most frequently cited themes were technological-pedagogical-content Knowledge and the technological knowledge respectively. Findings from the current study triangulated with previous findings on TPACK and use of clickers, particularly, the influence of technological-pedagogical-content Knowledge and technological knowledge on successful integration of innovations in class. Furthermore, the current study highlighted the impact of technological-pedagogical and technological-content knowledge for further research to unfold technology adoption with these featured TPACK configurations, as well as rendering support to frontline academics related to integration of technology and pedagogy.

scholarly journals When is it acceptable to allow a terminal patient to die? Pharmacy students’ views from a London University

2020 ◽  
pp. 107815522092154
Author(s):  
Beth V Clayton ◽  
Shereen Nabhani-Gebara
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Patient Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Patient Request ◽  
Medical Organisation ◽  
Controversial Topic

Accompanied suicide is a controversial topic with varying practice across Europe; therefore, there is very little guidance on how healthcare professionals should be educated on accompanied suicide. This study implemented an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey to discover the perceptions of final-year MPharm students on accompanied suicide and the factors affecting one’s views, with the aim of investigating the knowledge, awareness and opinions of pharmacy students regarding accompanied suicide, as well as education to pharmacy students. Surveys were disseminated to final-year pharmacy students at Kingston University between January and March 2019. The survey comprised of three sections: Section A consisting of definitions – to determine knowledge of pharmacy students. Section B including case studies – to understand the opinions of pharmacy students and identify influential patient factors. Section C involving demographics – to discover the influential participant factors. An ethics application was submitted and approved prior to conducting this study. The data yielded a total of 111 responses out of a possible 139 (80% response rate); 77.5% participants were unable to correctly define each term given, with many also agreeing their lack of knowledge affected their views. Overall, most pharmacy students disagreed with accompanied suicide, regardless of the patient factors. Additionally, religious participants were more likely to disagree with the patient request ( p < 0.03). Three recommendations were concluded to improve the education of pharmacy students: (1) an approved medical organisation to specifically define terminology, (2) include accompanied suicide in the pharmacy syllabus and (3) include lesser known terminal illnesses on the pharmacy syllabus.

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