Development of an evidence-based residency preparation checklist using a Delphi process

Purpose. To develop an evidence-based tool that will provide concise guidance to pharmacy students who want to become competitive postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency applicants. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify articles describing student or school factors and specific interventions or activities associated with improved or decreased residency match rates, as well as studies describing residency program directors' (RPDs') or preceptors' perceptions of qualified applicants. An initial checklist was developed, with an item for each relevant factor. A consensus on checklist items was built through a 2-round Delphi process with a panel of RPDs. Ultimately, items that received a median score of at least 5 on a 7-point scale with less than one-third of the ratings being a 1, 2, or 3 were included. Results. The initial checklist of 34 items, primarily related to grade point average, professional involvement, work experience, or professional development, was evaluated by a panel of 25 RPD participants. Six of 34 items (18%) were reevaluated in round 2, along with 1 added item and 4 items substantively modified based on comments; 2 items were merged. Ultimately, 33 items met the criteria for consensus and were included in the final checklist. Conclusion. A checklist of items to guide prospective pharmacy residency applicants was developed through a systematic literature search and verified by program directors using a Delphi process.