Student pharmacists' perception of a service learning experience at a charity pharmacy

Student pharmacists’ perception of a service learning experience at a charity pharmacy. Lauren S. Bloodworth, Meagan M. Brown, Courtney S. Davis, and Leigh Ann Ross. The University of Mississippi.

Purpose:   The objective is to evaluate student pharmacists’ perception of a service-learning opportunity through the Mississippi Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy Pharmacy Clinic.

Methods:   The University of Mississippi established a charity pharmacy to support the medication needs of the patients of a temporary, free dental clinic targeted to provide dental and pharmacy services to low-income individuals of the Jackson, Mississippi, area. Current PY3 and PY4 students volunteered time to dispense and counsel patients on his/her prescribed medications. A 23-question pre-survey tool and a 32-question post-survey tool were used to assess the student pharmacists’ perception of the service learning experience. The survey questions examined student demographic data, previous work history, volunteer experience, attitudes and perceptions about community service, and civic, cultural, and social issues.

Results:   Of the 22 students who completed service learning experience, 100% responded to the surveys (1 PY3 and 21 PY4). The majority of respondents perceived that he/she improved in terms of knowledge/understanding of the health care needs of the community in which he/she served (64%), the barriers to receiving health care in the community that he/she served (64%), how to work with patients who have various levels of health care knowledge (50%). 100% of the students reported that he/she was willing or very willing to volunteer for community service post graduation.

Conclusions: These results suggest that participation in a service learning experience was seen as valuable and beneficial. It also offers opportunities for students to grow professionally and personally while providing much needed service to the community.