Pharmacists' self-reported transfer of learning and participation in continuing education programs in social and administrative pharmacy: a pilot study

ObjectivesThe shift of pharmacists' role to pharmaceutical care has called for stronger skills and knowledge in social and administrative sciences. A growing number of continuing education (CE) programs with a focus on social and administrative science (SAS) have been offered in response to this need. The current study aims to evaluate pharmacists' transfer of learning from SAS CE programs and their level of participation.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of pharmacists about the applicability of content from SAS CE programs and their participation in the programs. The reported transfer of learning and level of participation were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Factors that may be related to transfer of learning and participation were investigated using linear regression.ResultsThe survey sample consisted of pharmacists with a diversified background as it relates to demographics, practice setting, and experience. Although 43.9% reported that SAS CE programs had been useful, opportunity to engage in patient care was significantly related to whether a pharmacist had successfully applied what was learned from the programs. A majority of pharmacists (68.3%) would like to see more SAS CE programs offered. Only 12.2% of pharmacists reported they “always made an effort to attend SAS CE programs.” A busy work schedule affects participation significantly.ConclusionsPharmacists reported that SAS knowledge and related CE programs had been useful. However, the transfer of learning and participation in such programs were negatively affected by the chance to engage in patient care and number of work hours, respectively.