INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Differences in career paths and attributes of pharmacists completing a community pharmacy residency program (CPRP)

Timothy R. Ulbrich

Alex Adams

David R. Bright

Donald L. Sullivan

Evan Schnur

D. Todd Bess

James Owen

Lynette Bradley-Baker

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v5i4.360

Keywords: community pharmacy, residency, community pharmacy residency program (CPRP)

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Abstract

Objective: To determine any differences in career paths and career attributes of pharmacists who have completed a PGY1 community pharmacy residency program (CPRP) as compared to those that have not completed a PGY1 CPRP.

Methods: A web-based survey evaluating various aspects of community pharmacists' careers was distributed to 274 CPRP graduates in addition to a random sample of 7,376 community pharmacists. The survey contained 32 questions evaluating various career attributes. Questions that assessed level of agreement were on a 6-point Likert-type Scale (1=strongly disagree; 6=strongly agree).

Results: A total of 353 participants completed the survey, with 224 indicating that they had not completed a CPRP. Pharmacists who completed a CPRP responded that they spend significantly more time on patient care services, teaching, and research, and spend less time dispensing medications compared to those that have not completed a CPRP. Compared to those that did not complete a CPRP, CPRP graduates were less likely to agree that current level of workload negatively impacts job performance, motivation to work, job satisfaction, mental/emotional health, and physical health.

Conclusion: Pharmacists completing a CPRP noted significant differences in their current employment and job responsibilities. Additional expansion and education regarding the importance of CPRPs should be considered.

 

Type: Original Research