A DELPHI SURVEY TO IDENTIFY THE COMPONENTS OF A COMMUNITY PHARMACY CLERKSHIP

The need for and components of a community pharmacy clerkship have bee n described in the literature. However, no authors have described what a broad base of contemporary community pharmacists believe should be the make-up of a community pharmacy clerkship rotation. A three-iterat ion Delphi survey consisting of three sequential questionnaires was us ed to develop a consensus among expert community pharmacists regarding a contemporary clerkship in their practice environment. Results of th e survey were used to help develop the learning objectives. Activities to meet those objectives were also developed. Results of the Delphi s urvey, the learning objectives and suggested clerkship activities are presented. The three-iteration Delphi survey successfully identified t he key issues to be addressed in community pharmacy practice as well a s the major focus areas for student learning in a community pharmacy c lerkship. Criteria for site selection and preceptor and student evalua tion were also identified. This information has been incorporated into learning objectives for students and will be used to reevaluate our A cademic Internship Program guidelines.