A scale to measure pharmacy students' self-efficacy in performing medication therapy management services

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether a college of pharmacy curriculum creates a sense of self-efficacy among students with respect to providing medication therapy management (MTM) services. Methods. An electronic survey instrument was sent to all pharmacy students to elicit information on their perceived confidence in providing MTM services, and the results were reviewed. Results. Of the 1,160 students targeted, 464 (40%) completed the survey instrument. Responses indicated that overall self-efficacy increased with each successive year of the curriculum that students completed. Fourth-year students completing an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in medication therapy management (MTM) had significantly higher self-efficacy than did other fourthyear students, whose self-efficacy was similar to that of third-year students. Conclusion. In this study population, students' self-efficacy increased with each successive year in pharmacy school, with those who completed an APPE in MTM exhibiting the highest level of selfefficacy. These students may be more likely to pursue MTM opportunities in future careers.