This training model used self-study, home-based therapeutics instruction an
d a clerkship strategy to train rural community pharmacy preceptors in phar
maceutical care (PC). Specific aims were to: (i) provide intensive instruct
ion in clinical and managerial aspects of setting up a PC model in a rural
community pharmacy setting, and (ii) assess effectiveness of the instructio
n through post-training assessment of PC activities. Through this training,
ten rural community pharmacy externship sites are being converted to PC si
tes that can support experiential training. Following a therapeutics course
of study, faculty members conducted a case-study review for primary care d
isease states tie., diabetes, hypertension and asthma) and patient assessme
nt skills were demonstrated and practiced. Preceptors enhanced their skills
in documenting patient interventions and computer usage. Preceptors toured
two rural community pharmacies with ongoing PC programs with an accompanyi
ng interactive session. Action plans (business plans) were presented on the
last day of training, revised and submitted by each preceptor. Each precep
tor was mailed a follow-up survey at 18 months post-training. All ten prece
ptors completed the survey. Three of ten preceptors directly charge patient
s for PC. "Time" followed by "lack of reimbursement" was rated the most pro
blematic obstacles in implementing PC into their practice. Areas of the pro
gram rated most favorably by preceptors were the therapeutic reviews, case
presentations, and monitoring techniques. Most have implemented some compon
ent of the training, although each preceptor stated they were at an early s
tage. As pharmacy schools struggle to integrate PC into their experiential
training, this project provides a model that can be transferred to other co
lleges/schools of pharmacy.