Qualitative Study of Pharmacy Preceptors and Students’ Experiences of Experiential Education During Alberta Wildfires 2023–2024

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the experiences of student pharmacists and their preceptors impacted by Alberta wildfires in 2023-2024 and to identify supports for future circumstances. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus groups to capture the experiences of student pharmacists and preceptors. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted using open coding, and a Line-of-Argument synthesis was used for thematic conclusion. RESULTS: Four student pharmacists and 4 preceptors participated, and the following major themes emerged: workplace and placement impacts, communication, well-being, support, and recommendations. The Line-of-Argument synthesis indicates that both students and preceptors would benefit most from strategies that reduce uncertainty and enhance agency. Both groups identified frequent and transparent communication, involvement in decision-making, and proactive planning for improvement, and highlighted the value of social support. CONCLUSION: These insights add to our understanding of what student pharmacists and preceptors value most while on placement during an emergency response, informing health care and educational institutions on how to best support both groups during wildfires. This has the potential to impact future preceptors and students who will need support and advocacy for their personal well-being during a natural disaster. This study highlights the importance of implementing supports that decrease feelings of uncertainty during a natural disaster. Further research is required to evaluate specific strategies.