Virtual APPE grand rounds: A learning activity to enhance remote rotations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Context: To assess students’ perception of a virtual learning activity developed for a remote Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) during the peak of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak in New York City. Description of course: Due to the pandemic, many clinical APPEs were converted to remote elective experiences during the final 5-week rotation block (from 1 April to 6 May 2020). A small group of faculty developed and piloted a virtual learning activity (APPE grand rounds) to enhance learning in this setting. Students assigned to participating faculty were tasked to develop 60 to 90-minute presentations scheduled two to three times weekly for large synchronous e-learning experiences across various simultaneous rotations. Evaluation: A questionnaire consisting of nine items utilising a 5-point Likert scale was developed and administered to assess student perception of the virtual format, presentation skills, and overall satisfaction with the experience.