Knott, Gillian, Crane, Linda, Heslop, Ian, and Glass, Beverley (2018) Educator development and quality assurance: design and evaluation of a pharmacist tutor training programme for enhanced links with pharmacy practice. Pharmacy Education, 18 (3). p. 29.

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Abstract

Background: The involvement of practising pharmacists as sessional tutors provides a number of benefits for a pharmacy programme, including their unique role in bridging the theory-practice gap and ensuring the currency and relevance of the pharmacy curriculum. However, their lack of training and support has been highlighted over recent years (Knott et al., 2015).

Objectives: To design and evaluate a pharmacy-specific tutor training programme for pharmacist tutors at James Cook University, based on their needs.

Methodology: A needs analysis study involving key stakeholders was conducted which informed the design of the tutor training programme. The programme was evaluated in terms of tutor confidence and competence using two post-training self-evaluation surveys. Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were used to analyse the survey data.

Results: The training programme was very well received, with 83% of tutors agreeing that the programme was relevant to their current needs. Tutors also reported improvements in both confidence and competence in all areas, particularly in assessment and marking skills. Other benefits highlighted by tutors included better role clarification, improved teaching consistency and the acknowledgement of tutors as an integral part of the pharmacy programme.

Discussion: The contribution of sessional staff such as pharmacist tutors at universities has long been underrecognised and undervalued (Ryan et al., 2013). This training programme has not only improved tutor confidence and competence but has also facilitated improved communication and networking between academic staff and practising pharmacists. This has the potential to strengthen the link between academia and pharmacy practice and support a seamless transition from university to the workplace.

Item ID:	55671
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	1477-2701
Keywords:	tutor; training; sessional staff
Additional Information:	Presented at the Life Long Learning in Pharmacy Conference, 6-9 July 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Research Data:	http://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/issue/view/28
Date Deposited:	29 Oct 2018 01:17
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences > 111503 Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice @ 50% 13 EDUCATION > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130213 Vocational Education and Training Curriculum and Pedagogy @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920205 Health Education and Promotion @ 100%
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