Background: Technological developments have facilitated the storage of patient records, enabled electronic prescribing, dispensing and the administration of medicines (Goundrey-Smith, 2014). These innovations are increasingly being used, requiring pharmacists to further develop digital capability. The School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, is keen to explore ways to better equip M.Pharm. graduates with the necessary skills to confidently practise in the modern digital environment. This project explored student and staff perspectives of current digital teaching tools in relation to preparedness for the first day of practice.

Muitas alterações têm ocorrido na última década na educação da área da saúde, com o intuito de formar profissionais que possam ter um olhar humanístico e possam trabalhar no Sistema Único de Saúde. O Curso de Farmácia também sofreu modificações, devido às reformas curriculares, incluindo disciplinas como a de Atenção Farmacêutica (Atenfar). A atenção farmacêutica é uma nova subárea do conhecimento agregada ao currículo dos cursos de farmácia com as novas diretrizes curriculares. Como disciplina foi inserida há poucos anos na Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Sul, sendo seus conteúdos divididos em 3 disciplinas: Atenção Farmacêutica I, Atenção Farmacêutica II e Atenção Farmacêutica III. Desde o início a Atenção Farmacêutica II buscou aplicar metodologias ativas no ensino presencial e a distância. No ano de 2012 a metodologia a distância foi adotada parcialmente na disciplina, sendo que os alunos tiveram metade das aulas no modelo presencial e metade a distância e segundo o tema a ser abordado. A disciplina realizou avaliações no início e no final do semestre com o intuito de avaliar se ocorreu diferenças na aprendizagem dos alunos devido a utilização da modalidade EAD ou presencial, bem como o que os mesmos alunos pensam sobre essas duas modalidades. Para realizar esta pesquisa utilizou-se o método quanti-qualitativo de triangulação, com o intuito de se avaliar os aspectos envolvidos com o desempenho, satisfação e percepção do aluno. Como resultados, foi encontrado que o EAD é tão eficiente quanto o presencial neste contexto estudado. Os alunos apresentaram satisfação pelo EAD de uma forma maior que pelo presencial. Além disso, o desempenho dos estudantes foi maior no EAD. / Many changes have been occurred in the last decade in the health education area, in order to form professionals who can have a humanistic look and can work in Brazilian Public Health System. Pharmacy Course also has changed due to curricular reforms, including disciplines such as Pharmaceutical Care. Pharmaceutical Care is a new subfield of knowledge aggregate the curriculum of pharmacy with the new curriculum guidelines. How discipline was inserted a few years ago at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and its contents divided into three disciplines: Pharmaceutical Care I, Pharmaceutical Care II and Pharmaceutical Care III. From the beginning the Pharmaceutical Care II sought to apply active methods in face to face and distance classes. In the year 2012 the distance learning methodology was adopted in part on the discipline, with half of the students had classes face to face classes and half distance learning classes, and according to the topic being discussed. The course evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the semester in order to assess whether differences occurred in student learning because the use of distance learning mode or face to face, as well as what students think about these two modalities. To conduct this research, we used the triangulation quantitative and qualitative method, in order to evaluate the issues involved with the performance, satisfaction and perception of the student. As a result, it was found that the distance learning is as efficient as the face to face in this study context. Students were satisfied by the distance learning in a way greater than the face to face. In addition, student performance was higher in distance learning.

Objectives: The objective was to determine the effect of podcasting, with resultant increased in-class active learning time, on student performance. Methods: In an effort to increase in-class active learning time and improve understanding of the material in a third-year pharmacotherapy course, podcasts were developed to cover specific topics and were made available outside-of-class for students in 2010. Students in the same course in the year 2009 had received identical in-class didactic instruction for these topics. End-of-course exam scores were adjusted using analysis of covariance and compared using the t-test. Results: The class averages on the end-of-course exams were significantly higher at 77.5 ± 1.2 (n = 65) for the class of 2009 compared to 72.9 ± 1.5 (n = 71) for the class of 2010 (p = 0.019). This difference remained significant after adjusting the 2009 and 2010 classes for the covariates. The difference between the classes was further magnified when using the covariate of GPA, 78.3 ± 1.2 compared to 72.2 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001) for the classes of 2009 and 2010, respectively. Rank ordering resulted in a significant difference in the exam grade in the lower 50th percentile 73.2 ± 1.6 (n = 34, 2009 class) compared to 65.8 ± 1.9 (n = 34, 2010 class), p = 0.004. No significant differences were noted between the two classes for those students in the upper 50th percentile. Conclusion: Increased in-class active learning time led to decreased examination scores for the lower 50th percentile of students in the 2010 cohort. One potential explanation is that students were not held accountable for completing the out-of-class preparatory exercises.

Objectives. To determine if student self-testing improves performance during a doctor of pharmacy course. Methods. Students were given access to online quizzes with a large pool of randomly selected questions specific to upcoming examination content. Quizzes were electronically scored immediately upon completion and students were provided corrective feedback. Results. Examination scores following implementation of the practice quizzes were significantly higher in all but the last testing period. The upper fiftieth percentile of students scored higher on both the practice quizzes and subsequent examinations in all but the fourth testing period. Conclusions. Providing pharmacy students with self-testing opportunities could increase their retention of course material and provide feedback to both students and educators regarding learning, as well as provide students with a measure of their metacognition.

Objective: To determine if the frequency of self-testing of course material prior to actual examination improves examination scores, regardless of the actual scores on the self-testing. Methods: Practice quizzes were randomly generated from a total of 1342 multiple-choice questions in pathophysiology and made available online for student self-testing. Intercorrelations, 2-way repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc tests, and 2-group comparisons following rank ordering, were conducted. Results: During each of 4 testing blocks, more than 85% of students took advantage of the self-testing process for a total of 7042 attempts. A consistent significant correlation (p≤0.05) existed between the number of practice quiz attempts and the subsequent examination scores. No difference in the number of quiz attempts was demonstrated compared to the first testing block. Exam scores for the first and second testing blocks were both higher than those for third and fourth blocks. Conclusion: Although self-testing strategies increase retrieval and retention, they are uncommon in pharmacy education. The results suggested that the number of self-testing attempts alone improved subsequent examination scores, regardless of the score for self-tests.

Muitas alterações têm ocorrido na última década na educação da área da saúde, com o intuito de formar profissionais que possam ter um olhar humanístico e possam trabalhar no Sistema Único de Saúde. O Curso de Farmácia também sofreu modificações, devido às reformas curriculares, incluindo disciplinas como a de Atenção Farmacêutica (Atenfar). A atenção farmacêutica é uma nova subárea do conhecimento agregada ao currículo dos cursos de farmácia com as novas diretrizes curriculares. Como disciplina foi inserida há poucos anos na Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Sul, sendo seus conteúdos divididos em 3 disciplinas: Atenção Farmacêutica I, Atenção Farmacêutica II e Atenção Farmacêutica III. Desde o início a Atenção Farmacêutica II buscou aplicar metodologias ativas no ensino presencial e a distância. No ano de 2012 a metodologia a distância foi adotada parcialmente na disciplina, sendo que os alunos tiveram metade das aulas no modelo presencial e metade a distância e segundo o tema a ser abordado. A disciplina realizou avaliações no início e no final do semestre com o intuito de avaliar se ocorreu diferenças na aprendizagem dos alunos devido a utilização da modalidade EAD ou presencial, bem como o que os mesmos alunos pensam sobre essas duas modalidades. Para realizar esta pesquisa utilizou-se o método quanti-qualitativo de triangulação, com o intuito de se avaliar os aspectos envolvidos com o desempenho, satisfação e percepção do aluno. Como resultados, foi encontrado que o EAD é tão eficiente quanto o presencial neste contexto estudado. Os alunos apresentaram satisfação pelo EAD de uma forma maior que pelo presencial. Além disso, o desempenho dos estudantes foi maior no EAD. / Many changes have been occurred in the last decade in the health education area, in order to form professionals who can have a humanistic look and can work in Brazilian Public Health System. Pharmacy Course also has changed due to curricular reforms, including disciplines such as Pharmaceutical Care. Pharmaceutical Care is a new subfield of knowledge aggregate the curriculum of pharmacy with the new curriculum guidelines. How discipline was inserted a few years ago at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and its contents divided into three disciplines: Pharmaceutical Care I, Pharmaceutical Care II and Pharmaceutical Care III. From the beginning the Pharmaceutical Care II sought to apply active methods in face to face and distance classes. In the year 2012 the distance learning methodology was adopted in part on the discipline, with half of the students had classes face to face classes and half distance learning classes, and according to the topic being discussed. The course evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the semester in order to assess whether differences occurred in student learning because the use of distance learning mode or face to face, as well as what students think about these two modalities. To conduct this research, we used the triangulation quantitative and qualitative method, in order to evaluate the issues involved with the performance, satisfaction and perception of the student. As a result, it was found that the distance learning is as efficient as the face to face in this study context. Students were satisfied by the distance learning in a way greater than the face to face. In addition, student performance was higher in distance learning.

Introduction: Trainee pharmacists are required to undertake a work-based pre-registration training placement (PRTP) in order to qualify. Literature exploring how this placement influences the development of students’ professionalism is sparse, however it is acknowledged that placements offer learning that can not be replicated in an academic environment. Following recent recommendations for the PRTP to be split into two six-month placements, the “sandwich” Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme at the University of Bradford offers a unique opportunity to study the impact of an early PRTP. This project aimed to understand the experiences of “sandwich” students during their early PRTP and generate a theory explaining how professionalism develops during this time. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory approach was taken. Fourteen students who had recently completed their early PRTP were interviewed using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. A constant comparative approach to analysis was taken. Findings: The process developing a professional identity emerged as the core category. This consisted of four interlinking stages; reflection, selection of attributes, professional socialisation and perception of role. Developing a professional identity occurred under the conditions of realising the reality of the profession, developing practical knowledge and skills and learning from mentors. The consequence of developing a professional identity was that participants felt they were now a trainee professional. Discussion and conclusion: The theory demonstrates that developing a professional identity was the main process that occurred whilst MPharm students were on their early PRTP. Regulatory, funding and educational organisations should consider this when reviewing pharmacists’ training and students’ approach on return to university.

Muitas alterações têm ocorrido na última década na educação da área da saúde, com o intuito de formar profissionais que possam ter um olhar humanístico e possam trabalhar no Sistema Único de Saúde. O Curso de Farmácia também sofreu modificações, devido às reformas curriculares, incluindo disciplinas como a de Atenção Farmacêutica (Atenfar). A atenção farmacêutica é uma nova subárea do conhecimento agregada ao currículo dos cursos de farmácia com as novas diretrizes curriculares. Como disciplina foi inserida há poucos anos na Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Sul, sendo seus conteúdos divididos em 3 disciplinas: Atenção Farmacêutica I, Atenção Farmacêutica II e Atenção Farmacêutica III. Desde o início a Atenção Farmacêutica II buscou aplicar metodologias ativas no ensino presencial e a distância. No ano de 2012 a metodologia a distância foi adotada parcialmente na disciplina, sendo que os alunos tiveram metade das aulas no modelo presencial e metade a distância e segundo o tema a ser abordado. A disciplina realizou avaliações no início e no final do semestre com o intuito de avaliar se ocorreu diferenças na aprendizagem dos alunos devido a utilização da modalidade EAD ou presencial, bem como o que os mesmos alunos pensam sobre essas duas modalidades. Para realizar esta pesquisa utilizou-se o método quanti-qualitativo de triangulação, com o intuito de se avaliar os aspectos envolvidos com o desempenho, satisfação e percepção do aluno. Como resultados, foi encontrado que o EAD é tão eficiente quanto o presencial neste contexto estudado. Os alunos apresentaram satisfação pelo EAD de uma forma maior que pelo presencial. Além disso, o desempenho dos estudantes foi maior no EAD. / Many changes have been occurred in the last decade in the health education area, in order to form professionals who can have a humanistic look and can work in Brazilian Public Health System. Pharmacy Course also has changed due to curricular reforms, including disciplines such as Pharmaceutical Care. Pharmaceutical Care is a new subfield of knowledge aggregate the curriculum of pharmacy with the new curriculum guidelines. How discipline was inserted a few years ago at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and its contents divided into three disciplines: Pharmaceutical Care I, Pharmaceutical Care II and Pharmaceutical Care III. From the beginning the Pharmaceutical Care II sought to apply active methods in face to face and distance classes. In the year 2012 the distance learning methodology was adopted in part on the discipline, with half of the students had classes face to face classes and half distance learning classes, and according to the topic being discussed. The course evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the semester in order to assess whether differences occurred in student learning because the use of distance learning mode or face to face, as well as what students think about these two modalities. To conduct this research, we used the triangulation quantitative and qualitative method, in order to evaluate the issues involved with the performance, satisfaction and perception of the student. As a result, it was found that the distance learning is as efficient as the face to face in this study context. Students were satisfied by the distance learning in a way greater than the face to face. In addition, student performance was higher in distance learning.

Introduction: Trainee pharmacists are required to undertake a work-based pre-registration training placement (PRTP) in order to qualify. Literature exploring how this placement influences the development of students’ professionalism is sparse, however it is acknowledged that placements offer learning that can not be replicated in an academic environment. Following recent recommendations for the PRTP to be split into two six-month placements, the “sandwich” Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme at the University of Bradford offers a unique opportunity to study the impact of an early PRTP. This project aimed to understand the experiences of “sandwich” students during their early PRTP and generate a theory explaining how professionalism develops during this time. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory approach was taken. Fourteen students who had recently completed their early PRTP were interviewed using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. A constant comparative approach to analysis was taken. Findings: The process developing a professional identity emerged as the core category. This consisted of four interlinking stages; reflection, selection of attributes, professional socialisation and perception of role. Developing a professional identity occurred under the conditions of realising the reality of the profession, developing practical knowledge and skills and learning from mentors. The consequence of developing a professional identity was that participants felt they were now a trainee professional. Discussion and conclusion: The theory demonstrates that developing a professional identity was the main process that occurred whilst MPharm students were on their early PRTP. Regulatory, funding and educational organisations should consider this when reviewing pharmacists’ training and students’ approach on return to university.

The aim of this thesis was to explore Swedish pharmacist students’ learning during pharmacy internship. Internships are meant to introduce students to professional practice. Education programs have to reflect changes in the professional role, and take into account that learning in a professional practice setting differs from organized formal education. This thesis includes both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and applies workplace learning theories. A scheme for measuring pharmacy students’ reflective ability was developed and shown to be feasible and reliable. Factors important for reflection were found to be primarily social and contextual, especially trained tutor and small pharmacy size. Notably, learning style or critical thinking did not correlate to students’ reflective ability. Tutors and students perceived that students used a wide variety of activities supporting learning of a broad repertoire of knowledge and skills, preparing them for coming professional working life. Tutors are most important to support learning. However, the current curriculum and formal activities do not address all these outcomes and learning activities used, e.g. workplace learning. The first overall conclusion is that internship plays an essential part in the pharmacist education program. The integration of formal and informal learning activities during internship, including raising awareness of incidental learning, is important to support students in learning the professional practice of pharmacy. This integration could possibly be strengthened by introducing further tutor training, different assignments, and by using portfolios. The second conclusion is that the community of practice is essential for students’ learning during internship, especially the student-tutor interaction. Hence, the entire social context has to be considered and it is important to ensure a good learning environment at pharmacies during internship. In summary, this thesis contributes to the understanding of students’ learning during pharmacy internship and introduces educational research on the Swedish undergraduate pharmacy education programs.