Time study of pharmacy practice faculty in family medicine residency clinics

ObjectiveTo describe the activities of college of pharmacy practice faculty during their time in two family medicine residency clinics.MethodsA direct time and motion observation study was completed with pharmacy faculty members in family medicine residency clinics. The study consisted of three phases. Phase 1 was a pilot to determine the most appropriate categories of activities. Phase 2 sought to determine whether direct observation or self-report of activities would be most accurate. Phase 3 was the final time-and-motion study, which was completed via direct observation based on the results of phase 2. All activities were timed, recorded, and classified into specific categories of activity types.ResultsPharmacy faculty in these two family medicine residency clinics spent 51% of their time in patient care, 21% in teaching pharmacy learners, and the rest of their time in other professional activities or on personal time.ConclusionPharmacy practice faculty in family medicine residency programs dedicate most of their time to patient care activities, followed by teaching pharmacy learners.