Student perspectives on prescriptive authority

PurposeTo gauge student perceptions regarding collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM), including prescriptive authority activities, and to determine student perceptions of level of preparedness and desire to provide these services.MethodsA 15-item survey was administered to all currently enrolled students in the University of Missouri—Kansas City (UMKC) School of Pharmacy. The study population included students in years one through three of didactic coursework as well as students in their experiential year.ResultsOverall, 44.3% (n = 90) of students felt adequately prepared for CDTM and the prescriptive authority activities that fall under that scope. Of the respondents, 74% (n = 29) of students in their last experiential year reported feeling prepared. The majority of students also believe pharmacists can accurately choose, initiate, and modify drug therapy. Moreover, 77% (n = 61) of fourth-year students expressed interest in participating in some form of CDTM upon graduation.ConclusionsThe majority of pharmacy students feel adequately prepared for the prescribing responsibilities that fall within a collaborative drug therapy management agreement, and most intend to be an active participant.