Use of an internet website wiki at oncology Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) and the effects on student confidence with oncology references

ObjectiveTo describe the impact of utilizing an interactive website (wiki) to direct students to oncology resources during Oncology Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) on student ease of use and confidence with utilizing oncology references, and student-preferred initial search strategies.MethodsWe surveyed students who completed an Oncology APPE at University of Colorado Hospital/Cancer Center (UCH/UCCC) before (Control) and after implementation of the wiki (Intervention). The questionnaire included questions regarding student confidence with oncology and general drug-information (DI) resources, ease of finding information, and student-preferred initial search strategies.ResultsOf the 33 students completing an Oncology APPE at UCH/UCCC, 26 responded (response rate 78.8%). Before the APPE, fewer students felt somewhat or very confident researching oncology DI questions compared to general DI questions (Control: 16.7% vs 58.3%; Intervention: 0% vs 71.4%). After the APPE, more students felt somewhat or very confident researching oncology and general DI questions in the Control (75% and 83.3%) and Intervention (85.7% for both) groups (p > 0.05 between groups). Student-preferred initial search strategies were similar between groups (p > 0.05). Students in the Intervention group reported greater ease using oncology resources than students in the Control group when answering treatment guideline (4.64 vs 3.92) and supportive care questions (4.21 vs 3.92), although this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe wiki was received positively by the students and did not adversely impact utilization of oncology resources. These results may provide guidance to oncology and other specialty APPE preceptors regarding use of a wiki to direct students to specialty resources.