Development, Implementation, and Delivery of a Remote Burnout Prevention Elective Course in an Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy Program During COVID-19

Authors

Melissa Santibanez, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Jonathon May, Allegheny CollegeFollow
Paul M. Boylan, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterFollow
Andrea Duque, Walgreens CompanyFollow
Taylor Harris, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: There is limited evidence describing burnout among graduate health professions students, including pharmacy students, and there is a need for educational institutions to mitigate burnout and promote future healthcare provider wellness. Methods: A burnout prevention elective course was developed within an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program. Course faculty transitioned from live to fully remote instruction in April 2020. The modified course format combined discussion-based lectures, burnout self-assessments, reflective writing assignments, and applications-based presentations. Results: Twenty-one second-year pharmacy students completed the elective, and 13 completed post-course evaluations (61.9% response rate). Evaluations indicated substantial student support, with 92.3% “strongly agree” and 7.7% “agree” responses for all questions. Students suggested incorporating this course into the core didactic curriculum rather than offering it as an elective. Conclusion: Pharmacy programs considering piloting similar courses may effectively implement them even under the modified learning conditions imposed by COVID-19.

Author Bio(s)

Melissa Santibañez, Pharm.D., BCCCP, is currently an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy (Fort Lauderdale, FL). At the time of this research, she was an Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences at Larkin University College of Pharmacy (Miami, FL).

Jonathon May, Ed.D., is currently the Third/Fourth Year Class Dean at Allegheny College (Meadville, PA). He previously served as the Director of Student Services at Larkin University College of Pharmacy (Miami, FL) for approximately 2.5 years.

Paul M. Boylan, Pharm.D., BCPS is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy (Oklahoma City, OK). At the time of this research, he was an Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences at Larkin University College of Pharmacy (Miami, FL).

Andrea Duque, Pharm.D., is currently a Staff Pharmacist at Walgreens Company (Miami, FL). At the time of this research, she was a Pharm.D. candidate in the class of 2021 at Larkin University College of Pharmacy (Miami, FL).

Taylor Harris is currently a Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) Community-Based Pharmacy Resident at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy (Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA). At the time of this research, she was a Pharm.D. candidate in the class of 2021 at Larkin University College of Pharmacy (Miami, FL).

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the class of 2021 pharmacy students who actively participated in and contributed to this inaugural elective course. Additionally, the authors would like to acknowledge Mr. Christos Vasou and Mr. Orestes Sampson for their contributions as invited consultants during this course.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2022.2163

Recommended Citation

Santibanez M, May J, Boylan PM, Duque A, Harris T. Development, Implementation, and Delivery of a Remote Burnout Prevention Elective Course in an Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy Program During COVID-19. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2022 Mar 31;20(2), Article 19.