A method for teaching continuous quality improvement to student pharmacists through a practical application project

ObjectiveTo provide future pharmacists with the skills and knowledge they need to use the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process to solve problems in a variety of practice settings.Material and methodsAt the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, the theory of CQI is presented to third-year pharmacy students in two lectures, followed by a practicum assignment. Student groups select a pharmacy, medical, or other identified problem and devise a solution through application of CQI principles. A member of each group presents the completed project to the class and a panel of CQI experts who judge project quality.Practice innovationStudents apply learned CQI principles through a problem-based practicum assignment in which they create a plan to solve a real health care or non–health care problem.Main outcome measureStudent learning was assessed through the project presentation and examination questions. A voluntary formative evaluation examined student attitudes toward the CQI module, applicability of CQI to pharmacy practice, and the most effective strategy for learning CQI concepts.ResultsMean scores for presentations were 93%, reflecting a high level of ability to apply CQI principles. In the formative evaluation, 80% of students reported that lectures were informative or necessary; however, all responding students reported learning more through practicum experience as opposed to the lecture alone. Ninety-seven percent of students were able to provide examples of CQI opportunities in their career interest area.ConclusionThis structured learning opportunity teaches students a systematic approach to identifying and solving system problems by applying CQI principles.