Rethinking a Library’s Training Approach for Pharmacy Preceptors
The Medical Library Association, Inc. (MLA), held its 113th Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN, May 14–26, 2011 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The meeting theme was Rethink.
Poster Session I: Board #51 | Date: Sunday, May 15, 2011
Authors: Barbara A. Wright, AHIP, Reference Services Librarian; Shannon D. Jones, AHIP, Associate Director, Research and Education; Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences; Veronica P. Shuford, Educational Specialist, School of Pharmacy; Virginia Commonwealth University–Richmond; Karen S. Purcell, Executive Director; Capital Area Health Education Center, Richmond, VA
Objective: Provide prerequisite training to enable community-based pharmacy faculty preceptors to navigate and use institutional and library web-based systems, resources, and services.
Methods: Experiential Education, a major component of pharmacy education, encompasses approximately one-third of our School of Pharmacy’s curricula for approximately 500 students. This requires a vast number of community-based preceptors across the state – and the country. In compliance with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education standards, our pharmacy preceptors are provided full access – onsite and remote – to library and educational resources. A more challenging standard is the requirement to teach preceptors to use library resources and services.
Being able to navigate the maze of web pages, systems, logins, etc. is a major stumbling block in accessing resources. The distribution of preceptors prohibited onsite training and instructions needed to use established web-based training modules and tutorials.
Recognizing that access to the Internet and computer technology varied greatly among preceptors and their locations, it was determined that commonly available technology needed to be used. The project utilizes low-cost, easy-to-use, interactive CD-ROMs that include basic instructions, tutorials, and screencasts. School of Pharmacy continuing education credit was provided.
