Yes / A new programme incorporating online study days delivered using team-based learning (TBL) for hospital-based trainee pharmacists (TPs) in the North of England was created. To our knowledge, TBL has not previously been used in educational programmes for TPs designed to supplement their workplace learning. The project aimed to investigate the experiences of TPs learning using online TBL by exploring their perceptions on their engagement, learning, and satisfaction with TBL. Data were collected using online anonymous surveys at the end of four online TBL study days. A bespoke survey consisted of 5-point or 4-point Likert scale and two free text questions. TBL Student Assessment Instrument (SAI), a validated survey, was used to assess TPs' acceptance of TBL. Survey data was summarized descriptively, and free text comments analysed using thematic analysis. TPs developed accountability to their team, remained engaged with TBL delivery online and stated a preference for and satisfaction with this method. TPs valued opportunities to apply their knowledge in challenging scenarios and learn from discussions with their peers, the larger group, and facilitators. TBL was also perceived to be an engaging approach to learning and helped to maintain their interest with the teaching material. However, TPs struggled to engage with pre-work outside of the class due to competing work priorities. This study shows that online TBL was well accepted by TPs and can be successfully used to deliver education to large cohorts of learners. The model developed shows potential for scalability to larger numbers of learners. / The teaching programme was funded by National Health Service England Workforce, Training, Education (NHSE WTE) (previously known as Health Education England).

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.

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.