Effect of preceptor-initiated referral system on advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) students' rotation progress and graduation rate

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine whether the referral and monitoring system developed at Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (BUCOPHS) for advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) students is successful in improving on-time and overall graduation rates and decreasing rotation failures. Methods: In May 2014, a formalized process for referral and monitoring of APPE students was established. This allows preceptors to recommend (via the electronic final evaluation form) additional monitoring or intervention in the areas of professionalism, time management, drug information, communication, and therapeutic/drug knowledge. The experiential education director subsequently meets with referred students and develops a customized longitudinal plan to help each student improve in the identified areas. Data collected for students who were referred included the rotation block, rotation type, preceptor type, and the specific areas recommended for monitoring and referral. In addition, each students quarterly progress, specific assessments outlined in each students customized longitudinal plan, number of failed rotations, on-time graduation, and overall graduation status was recorded. The university's institutional review board approved the study. Results: Between May 2014 and April 2017, a total of 36 students were referred to the experiential education office for monitoring and/or intervention. Of these, 35/36 (97.2%) graduated on time. There were eight students who failed one APPE; no students received more than one failure. Conclusions: Development of a referral and monitoring system for preceptors aids in retention of professional pharmacy students and increases on-time and overall graduation rates.