Supporting workplace-based training: Evaluation of a clinical educator training programme for pharmacists.

Abstract

Background: Pharmacist education in the workplace is shifting towards competency-based education (CBE), extending to undergraduate and pre-registrant pharmacist training. CBE relies on pharmacists providing effective clinical supervision and feedback. Pharmacists often contribute to the development of learners without formal training due to a shortage of relevant pharmacy workforce programmes. Method(s): The authors aim to describe the development and evaluation of a Clinical Educator Training Programme (CETP) for pharmacists. The CETP was developed by experts in clinical supervision and has undergone several iterations based on stakeholder feedback. It is accredited as a formal CPD programme with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). The CETP is undertaken online over three weeks through a series of discussions, multimedia learning and self-reflection. The CETP's major topic themes are Educational theory and focus on learning , Communication skills for supervisors , and Problem solving and evaluation . Multiple intake opportunities are offered throughout the year with consistent, experienced facilitators. Result(s): Between January 2021 and June 2022, 264 pharmacists completed the CETP, with 162 of those completing an anonymous evaluation survey. Overall, 155 (96%) and 152 (94%) participants strongly agreed or agreed that the programme material was relevant to their role as clinical educators and enhanced their knowledge in supervising pre-registrant pharmacists, respectively. The majority of participants strongly agreed or agreed that shared reflection discussions (84%) and case studies (93%, n=162) enabled them to apply the theory learned in the programme modules. Providing effective feedback and understanding learning styles were identified as the most useful topics of the CETP. Discussion(s): The CETP described provided a flexible online programme to support the development of busy pharmacists new to the clinical supervisor role. Participants perceived that completing the CETP enhanced their knowledge to supervise pre-registrant pharmacists. Further studies should investigate the impact of such training on the participants' observed clinical supervision skills .