A method for teaching continuous quality improvement to student pharmacists through a practical application project

Abstract 

Objective

To provide future pharmacists with the skills and knowledge they need to use the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process to solve problems in a variety of practice settings.

Material and methods

At the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, the theory of CQI is presented to third-year pharmacy students in two lectures, followed by a practicum assignment. Student groups select a pharmacy, medical, or other identified problem and devise a solution through application of CQI principles. A member of each group presents the completed project to the class and a panel of CQI experts who judge project quality.

Practice innovation

Students apply learned CQI principles through a problem-based practicum assignment in which they create a plan to solve a real health care or non–health care problem.

Main outcome measure

Student learning was assessed through the project presentation and examination questions. A voluntary formative evaluation examined student attitudes toward the CQI module, applicability of CQI to pharmacy practice, and the most effective strategy for learning CQI concepts.

Results

Mean scores for presentations were 93%, reflecting a high level of ability to apply CQI principles. In the formative evaluation, 80% of students reported that lectures were informative or necessary; however, all responding students reported learning more through practicum experience as opposed to the lecture alone. Ninety-seven percent of students were able to provide examples of CQI opportunities in their career interest area.

Conclusion

This structured learning opportunity teaches students a systematic approach to identifying and solving system problems by applying CQI principles.

Keywords: Quality improvement, Pharmacy education, Practical application, Student pharmacists