An innovative format of journal club among pharmacy practice residents

IntroductionThere have been reported and published formats of journal club in multiple health care disciplines, but there is a lack of descriptive information regarding journal club formats among pharmacy practice residents. During a pharmacy residency program, it is essential to evaluate the evidence and its implications in disease state management.ObjectiveThe main objective was to describe a novel format created for journal club presentations among affiliated pharmacy residents and provide preliminary feedback toward this format from two residency classes.MethodsJournal club sessions have been organized into a first and second monthly discussion. During the first session, the disease state, guidelines, and an “In the News” are reviewed with two journal club articles, and a patient case in the second discussion. A standard debate is reserved for the last month discussion of the residency year.ResultsThe survey results showed that the current format of journal club is well received and the residents find it beneficial to attend and participate in discussions.ConclusionsAlthough our journal club sessions have only been implemented in a structured format for approximately two years, it has provided an opportunity and foundation for pharmacy residents to enhance critical thinking skills of medical and pharmacy literature, expand on breath and depth of knowledge, and develop oral communication skills by presenting drug and medical information to fellow health care providers.