Influence of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences on Invitations to Interview for Pharmacy Postgraduate Year One Residencies: A National Survey of Residency Program Directors

Abstract

The gap between pharmacy student desire for postgraduate year one (PGY1) residency placement and the current residency capacity presents a challenge to graduates of colleges and schools of pharmacy. Research on the influence of advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) on the PGY1 resident selection process is needed to assist pharmacy students seeking residency training as well as colleges and schools of pharmacy supporting these students. Utilizing person-environment fit as a conceptual framework, the purpose of this study was to determine how PGY1 residency program directors perceive the desirability and necessity of factors related to advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) when selecting candidates for interviews. This study used a quantitative approach and survey research methodology. Variables related to APPE location, structure, elective types, timing, and preceptor references were examined through a nationwide survey of residency program directors, resulting in 370 participants. Frequencies and descriptive statistics suggested APPE preceptor reference letters were considered the most influential category of factors while APPE timing factors were the least influential. One-way ANOVA analyses found differences in desirability and necessity of APPE related factors based on residency type for all categories except APPE preceptor reference letters. Therefore, knowledge of career goals is suggested to enhance APPE and residency planning. Submission of two APPE preceptor reference letters and implementation of a letter grading structure for each APPE are key recommendations from this study.