Pharmacy student and preceptor perceptions for the first advanced pharmacy practice experience

Abstract Objective To compare perceptions of pharmacy students and preceptors regarding student preparedness to deliver patient care on the students' first advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE). Methods A 56-item student questionnaire and a 53-item preceptor questionnaire were developed and distributed to students and preceptors after student completion of the first APPE. Students and preceptors rated students in overall preparedness (five-point Likert scale) and preparedness for specific activities (four-point Likert scale). Results Ninety-six (66%) students and 61 (34%) preceptors completed the questionnaires. In overall preparedness, the mean reported by students was 3.59/5 (SD = 1.03) and the mean reported by preceptors was 3.75/5 (SD = 1.02). In preparedness for specific activities, the students rated themselves significantly higher than the preceptors in 22 of 46 specific activities. Conclusion Students and preceptors consider students somewhat prepared for APPEs. For the future, a continuous quality improvement activity should include patient case studies designed to allow students to identify untreated medical conditions and improper medication selection.