(348) Training Students to Think Like a Pharmacist - A Structured Toolkit for P1s

Objective : Recognizing that many students struggle with the transition between undergraduate prepharmacy coursework and the demands of a professional doctoral program, Husson University School of Pharmacy (HUSOP) developed a semester long “Toolkit” to support and mentor first-year PharmD students. The primary goals of the Toolkit included: (1) support the development of highly effective study habits for academic success and (2) improve cohesion of the entering cohort to support individual well-being and sense of belonging.

Methods: First professional year students were required to participate in a two-part Toolkit initiative. Prior to the start of the academic term, students attended a two-day live orientation to explore evidence-based study strategies and tools, goal setting, and growth mindset development. Throughout the fall term, HUSOP partnered with numerous stakeholders to facilitate weekly one-hour meetings for students to discuss application of study strategies within professional coursework and to provide cohort-building activities. Students completed a survey-based evaluation tool to provide feedback on Toolkit activities and delivery.

Results: Nineteen students were admitted in the cohort and sixteen completed the post-survey (84% response rate). Seven of 16 students (44%) reported agreement with the statement, “I used toolkit strategies to prepare for quizzes and exams.” 14 of 16 students (87.5%) reported agreement with the statement, “I feel like part of the P1 cohort.” Post-survey data suggested the sessions most valued by students were led directly by faculty who could provide additional context and perspective for course content, as well as interactive feedback on assessment performance.

Conclusions: The Toolkit program supported students’ transition into the PharmD program through faculty and staff-led sessions targeting student success and group cohesion. Feedback will guide the new iteration of Toolkit programming for Fall 2023.