An Introductory Service Experience for Student Healthcare Providers

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This resource is a service experience which may be taught to first-year pharmacy students as an independent course or as a component to an existing patient care/communications course. It was created with the intention of integrating students into multidisciplinary health care environments to develop basic patient care skills and learn the roles of community healthcare service providers. Methods This resource includes a course manual, an introductory presentation for students, and associated assignments and forms. Following an introduction to course requirements, students meet participating community mentors; complete background reading on diverse patient populations; complete 30 hours of direct patient/client care service; journal their experiences; apply for a service project grant; complete a patient interview and medication history; compose a professional recommendation letter to another healthcare provider; reflect on their experiences in writing; present service experiences and projects to peers for feedback; and evaluate all constituents. Results Quantitative and qualitative data from student evaluations has been collected since 2004 on the course/experience, instructor, community preceptors, and sites. In addition, qualitative feedback from community preceptors has been collected and used in yearly manual revisions. Community preceptors indicated that student involvement greatly impacts the quality-of-life of residents as well as providing positive, professional support to staff. Preceptors also indicated that the students were very positive about their experiences and that many students continue their experience at the facility, long after completion of course requirements. Discussion While the national standards for pharmacy education require that students gain multiple experiences in the delivery of holistic patient care, exploring physical, mental, social, and spiritual health, this resource is easily revised and would be appropriate for use in any introductory health care field.

Keywords

• Health Equity Research
• Verbal Behavior
• Professional Service Experience
• Service-Learning