How was your paediatric placement? Feedback from participants over two years

Abstract

Background: The Lady Cilento Children's Hospital (LCCH) Pharmacy Department offers tertiary paediatric experiential placements to university students, pharmacy interns working in adult-based facilities, and pharmacists caring for paediatric patients in non-metropolitan hospitals. The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of paediatric medicines management; highlighting its differences to adult practice and familiarising participants with best practice guidelines and resources (Stupans et al., 2011) Objectives: To review placements offered by LCCH Pharmacy in 2016-17, evaluate the perceived relevance, format and value of the placements, and determine whether participants have an improved understanding of paediatrics Methodology: Placement participants were asked to complete evaluation forms at the end of their placements. Their roles, placement durations and feedback were entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Quantitative data were presented using descriptive statistics while free-text comments were reviewed to identify common themes. Results: In 2016-2017, a total of 63 paediatric placements were provided with an average duration of 20.3 days (students), 4.64 days (interns) and 3.67 days (pharmacists). One hundred percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the placement was valuable, relevant, practical and of suitable format, and reported an improved understanding of paediatrics upon completion of placements. Key learning themes identified included 'children are not small adults', individualising the approach to patients, providing family-centred care, and the paediatric pharmacist's role. Discussion: The placements were reported as valuable and relevant. Participants were able to describe many features of paediatric medicines management in their comments. These placements may benefit paediatric patients presenting to other healthcare facilities.L6318980142020-06-02 <br />