Development, Implementation, and Delivery of a Remote Burnout Prevention Elective Course in an Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy Program During COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose: There is limited evidence describing burnout among graduate health professions students, including pharmacy students, and there is a need for educational institutions to mitigate burnout and promote future healthcare provider wellness. Methods: A burnout prevention elective course was developed within an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program. Course faculty transitioned from live to fully remote instruction in April 2020. The modified course format combined discussion-based lectures, burnout self-assessments, reflective writing assignments, and applications-based presentations. Results: Twenty-one second-year pharmacy students completed the elective, and 13 completed post-course evaluations (61.9% response rate). Evaluations indicated substantial student support, with 92.3% “strongly agree” and 7.7% “agree” responses for all questions. Students suggested incorporating this course into the core didactic curriculum rather than offering it as an elective. Conclusion: Pharmacy programs considering piloting similar courses may effectively implement them even under the modified learning conditions imposed by COVID-19.