Reflective Practice of Experiential Learning Visit to Drug Rehabilitation Centres improved Pharmacy Curriculum Prospects and Services in promoting Community Engagement

Abstract

Background: Reflective practice has been proven effective in improving students' learning outcomes from various health disciplines, including pharmacy. As healthcare providers, pharmacists have frequent contact with vulnerable patients with risky behaviours thus require appropriate attitudes and positive perceptions to ensure equal services. These intangible components require self-reflection of individual learning processes. This study aimed to investigate the view of pharmacy students towards an experiential learning opportunity at drug rehabilitation centres via a reflective practice approach. Methods: Pharmacy students from International Islamic University Malaysia participated in a reflective practice exercise following a visit to drug rehabilitation centres in Pahang, Malaysia, in 2018. A total of 43 of the 69 students consented for their reflective writings to be analysed for this research. Thematic content analysis was conducted, and emerging themes were identified. Results: Students reflected on several themes, which were 1) sense of responsibility and volunteerism, 2) perspective on pharmacy knowledge application, 3) professional and societal engagement, 4) understanding people's behaviour 5) personal inadequacy. Conclusion: Pharmacy students have effectively utilised a reflective practice approach to address specific issues and needs of the local community related to substance use disorders which were beneficial to improve the curriculum and encourage community engagement activities.

Keywords

• Reflective practice
• experiential learning
• pharmacy students
• community engagement
• substance use disorders