Evaluating the longitudinal integration of a medication safety training program into a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum

OBJECTIVE: To describe the longitudinal integration of a virtual medication safety training program (Ambassadors) into a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum and evaluate its impact on knowledge retention, Ambassador self-efficacy, and Ambassador self-intentions as students apply their training in both curricular and co-curricular experiences. METHODS: First year Doctor of Pharmacy students completed the Generation Rx Ambassador training program as a requirement in their Concepts in Patient Care course. Students applied their Ambassador training in their first year through both required [small group workshop and community introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs)] and optional (medication safety outreach event) practice activities. Knowledge gains, Ambassador self-efficacy, and Ambassador self-intentions were evaluated utilizing pre-, post-, and 6-month post-surveys. A qualitative thematic analysis evaluated incorporating medication safety messaging into experiential rotations. RESULTS: Students demonstrated statistically significant knowledge retention and gains in Ambassador self-efficacy from pre- to post- and 6-month post-surveys. Ambassador self-intention decreased significantly from post- to 6-month post-surveys. A sub-analysis showed that the small group workshop significantly impacted self-intention, and students who participated in the optional outreach event reported statistically significant increases in both self-efficacy and self-intention. Findings from the thematic analysis indicated that most students felt confident during patient interactions within their community IPPE and felt that their conversations about medication safety were positive, supporting increased self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal integration of a medication safety training program (Ambassadors) and practice application activities into a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum was a successful method to increase student knowledge and self-efficacy in delivering medication safety messaging.