Prevalence and Impact of Pharmacy Students as Patient Care Extenders in Medically Underserved Community Pharmacies

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and describe the patient care impact of student pharmacists completing community pharmacy rotations in medically underserved areas (MUAs) in Nebraska. Methods: A list of pharmacy student advanced pharmacy practice experience placements over a 3-year period were obtained from 2 pharmacy schools in Nebraska and then mapped in relation to MUAs in the state. A mixed-methods approach was used to compare and relate findings of a student-logged patient care activity database and semistructured interviews with pharmacy preceptors of participating students. Results: Pharmacy students were placed in 21 (13%) of 159 identified pharmacies located in MUAs. Pharmacy preceptors felt students improved the quality of patient care provided as a result of more uninterrupted time with the patient. Preceptors also indicated that student presence assists both the student and the practicing pharmacist engage in more patient care services. Conclusion: There exists a significant opportunity to utilize advanced pharmacy practice students to extend patient care services and address health-care needs in underserved communities, but student placement in MUAs should be optimized.