Current Practices in Global/International Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences: Home/Host Country or Site/Institution Considerations

Abstract

International outreach by schools and colleges of pharmacy is increasing. In this paper, we provide current practice guidelines to establish and maintain successful global/international advanced pharmacy practice experiences (G/I APPEs) with specific recommendations for home/host country and host site/institution. The paper is based on a literature review (2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014) in databases and Internet searches with specific keywords or terms. Educational documents such as syllabi and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) from pharmacy programs were also examined. In addition, a preliminary draft was developed and the findings and recommendations were reviewed in a 90-minute roundtable discussion at the 2014 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Recommendations for the host country include travel considerations (eg, passport, visa, air travel), safety, housing, transportation, travel alerts and warnings, health issues, and financial considerations. For the home country, considerations for establishment of G/I APPE site (eg, vetting process, MoU, site expectations) are described. The paper is a resource for development of new G/I APPEs and provides guidance for continuous quality improvement of partnerships focusing on G/I pharmacy education.

Current Practices in Hosting Non-US Pharmacy Students at US Pharmacy Schools in Experiential Clerkships

“…The elements of the evaluative process are mentioned in articles by Alsharif and colleagues and Dornblaser and colleagues. 1,2 It is important to discuss the outcomes on the evaluation with members of both the host and home institution and make modifications where necessary. A well-structured program with identified reciprocal benefit identified early imparts educational benefit to the students.…”

“…Details of establishing an MoU are described by Alsharif and colleagues. 1 An MoU signing is typical at the university level and should be vetted by legal counsel. Usually, the MoU is written in general terms to cover the broad areas of collaboration.…”

“…Alsharif and colleagues and Dornblaser and colleagues discussed logistical and educational considerations of sending U.S. students on G/I APPEs, including the importance of addressing the same considerations for non-U.S. pharmacy students coming to U.S.-based institutions. 1,2 While there are no statistics available on the number of international students coming to the U.S. for short stays (eg, 4-6 weeks) or extended stays (eg, one semester or more), this paper will focus on considerations for short stays for training or educational opportunities, referred to as rotations or clerkships. However, many of the students may also apply to longer stays, including foreign pharmacy graduates seeking residency/fellowship or international students seeking a Pharm.D.…”

“…Alsharif and colleagues described in detail the health issues, including the need to designate an individual as an emergency contact person at both the home and host institution. 1 A health screen to ensure the student is capable of completing the rotation as well as a record of all additional immunizations, as required for educational and health care facilities, should be completed months in advance of the anticipated travel. Necessary prescription medications should be acquired prior to travel and comfort items should be packed and appropriately labeled.…”

Purposeful Global Engagement in Pharmacy Education

“…5 The SIG also published three papers on current practices in global/international advanced pharmacy practice experiences and on hosting non-US pharmacy students at US institutions. [6][7][8] In addition, global engagement offices have been established at many universities to address logistical issues. Although such efforts are not new and have resulted in fruitful and enriching experiences in education, clinical knowledge and skills, research by individual US faculty travelling overseas, and collaborative agreements between schools, 1-4,9-13 current activities involve more and more international students and faculty from international pharmacy schools being hosted for a variety of experiences at US pharmacy schools.…”