Project Methodology

The project will be conducted within an Action Research framework which is well established as a discipline inquiry approach relevant to the educational context. A central online repository of collaboratively-developed experiential placement learning and assessment tasks will be established based on action research work and using an educational template and planning model incorporating learning outcomes, criteria for assessment and evaluation processes. Standardised developmental descriptors related to Graduate Attributes and Pharmacy competencies as applicable to university students at the novice and advanced beginner levels will be developed, with descriptors potentially considering aspects such as time taken to undertake tasks, rule bound versus flexible application to unique situations, and degree of patient focus.

Additional collaborative work will be undertaken in conjunction with professional bodies and other stakeholders to further identify quality experiential placement success indicators in relation to preceptors, students, university, site and overall environment including at pre-placement, during placement and post-placement aspects to support improvements in Pharmacy experiential placements.