(42) Continuing Innovation: Actions of the AACP Technology in Pharmacy Education and Learning Special Interest Group

Objective : To increase membership and enhance engagement in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Technology in Pharmacy Education and Learning Special Interest Group (TIPEL SIG).

Methods: Leadership of the SIG solicited input from members to evaluate goals and needs and developed content and opportunities to better meet those needs in 2021-2022. “Tech Talks” were established for networking and idea-sharing. Programming about technology, including digital health, in addition to traditional topics of using technology to improve education were offered throughout the year. The membership roster was evaluated to identify new members while committee rosters were used to identify increased active engagement, comparing 2021-2022 rosters to 2022-2023 rosters. Satisfaction surveys were conducted at Tech Talks.

Results: The SIG increased membership significantly in 2022. There were 247 members who joined in calendar year 2022 (20.6/month), compared to 94 who joined in calendar year 2021 (7.8/month), more than doubling new memberships for the year and increasing membership to 768 individuals. Currently, 126 members identify TIPEL as their primary SIG, of which 44 joined in 2022. More members volunteered to participate on a committee in 2022 as well (35 vs 18) allowing the expansion of the number of committees from two to four, indicating interest, engagement, and growth. Tech Talk satisfaction rates were high with positive comments about format and topics.

Conclusions: Identifying needs of the members, expanding offerings, and clarifying the scope of the SIG led to increased membership and engagement. This supports increased education regarding technology to AACP members. All SIGs may consider these methods to enhance their own membership.