Multi-sector pre-registration pharmacy training

We have undertaken a series of evaluations of pre-registration pharmacy training.

The first evaluation began in 2016/17 when Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board (BCUHB) introduced a new integrated pre-registration training programme. This new programme provided experience in hospital, community and primary care settings and was evaluated by Bethan Broad.

Results from the evaluation demonstrated that pharmacists who undertook the multi-sector programme valued the experience and would choose this option again. Nonetheless, they had recommendations for improvements. One of the more prominent issues was the structure of the training programme and trainees’ rotations across hospital, community and primary care settings.

Given the positive and constructive feedback from the multi-sector programme from trainees, tutors and line managers, there is scope to move to a single model of multi-sector training; with a defined curriculum and model (in terms of placement rotations). In response, a new curriculum has been developed but is yet to be tested. Two Health Boards have been recruited to trial the curriculum and each will implement it under a different model:

• 3 x 4-month model: trainees complete 4-month block rotations in the three sectors in sequence.
• 2(3 x 2-month) model: trainees complete 2-month block rotations in the three sectors in the first six-months and then revisit each sector for a second 2-month rotation in the second half of the year.

The principal objective of the current evaluation stream is to explore the feasibility of this newly developed curriculum and the suitability of the two models. Our specific objectives are threefold:

1. To seek the views of trainees on both models, and their tutors, on the feasibility of achieving the curriculum outcomes and on how well trainees are prepared for practice (i.e. is the curriculum fit for purpose?).
2. To compare findings from the two models, identifying whether one structure is preferable to the other and/or better facilitates the achievement of intended outcomes.
3. To compare the results with findings from previous cohorts.