Advanced pharmacy practice experiences for pharmacy students in emergency department settings

PurposePharmacy practice in the emergency department (ED) has grown dramatically over the past decade; however, it is not clear if the growth has provided opportunities for pharmacy students through clinical rotations. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the percentage of schools/colleges of pharmacy that offer an advanced pharmacy practice rotation experience. Secondary objectives included the longevity, how the rotation is classified, and the extent to which these rotations are offered by full-time faculty of the school/college.MethodsThe survey was sent to experiential education coordinators at 130 schools/colleges in the United States and Puerto Rico. Participants could opt in to a drawing for one of eight gift cards. Data were entered into an electronic spreadsheet, and descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated as appropriate.ResultsOverall, 58 valid surveys were returned (44.6%). Most schools/colleges of pharmacy offered this type of rotation (86.2%). The respondents represented 6402 graduates annually, offering 586 (9.2% graduates) rotations for 5.4 ± 5.3 years (mean ± standard deviation). The location for ED rotations were community hospitals (60.3%), academic/university (54.4%), Veterans Affairs/governmental (10.3%), pediatric (6.9%), or other (6.9%). Respondents could check more than one category, so percentages sum to greater than 100%.ConclusionsThe majority of schools/colleges of pharmacy offer a rotation in the ED; however, less than 10% of graduates will be exposed to this type of educational opportunity. Students are most likely to have their APPE rotation in community hospitals.