Background and purpose: The study objective was to determine differences in student pharmacists' knowledge, confidence, and preferences when the in-class portion of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Immunization Certificate was conducted in two different scheduling formats.
Educational activity and setting: A two-phase, pre-post design was utilized to compare delivery layouts of the certificate program for first-year student pharmacists. In fall 2018, students completed the certificate in eight, one-hour sessions. In fall 2019, students completed the certificate in one, eight-hour session. A pre- and post-survey assessed confidence in immunization-specific skills and scheduling preferences. The APhA self-study and final exams and faculty created knowledge questions were utilized to assess student knowledge before, during, and after the course.
Findings: Student confidence in both fall 2018 and fall 2019 increased significantly between the pre- and post-survey. However, when comparing cohorts, no difference was found in self-confidence or knowledge. Students did tend to show preference for how the course was delivered. Students in fall 2018 slightly leaned towards eight, one-hour sessions (approximately 51%) while students in fall 2019 strongly leaned towards one, eight-hour session (approximately 72%).
Summary: Variation in scheduling of the in-class portion of the APhA Immunization Certificate was not associated with a difference in student confidence or knowledge. However, a difference in student preference for delivery was noted. It is important for instructors to consider student preferences along with best pedagogical practices to ensure learning when scheduling formats are selected.
Keywords: Attention span; Immunization; Pharmacy education; Scheduling; Training.
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