Assessment of student pharmacists' perceptions on participating in clinical services in the community pharmacy setting

Objectives To assess perceptions of student pharmacists in their final year of pharmacy education on providing clinical services in the community pharmacy setting. Primary objectives evaluated students' perceived opportunities, importance, readiness, and barriers to providing clinical services. Methods An online survey was administered to students attending fully accredited pharmacy school in the United States. Results Nine-hundred sixty-seven students completed the survey (20.7% response). Students believe that opportunities exist to provide clinical services (87.2%), clinical services are important (95%), and they plan to provide clinical services after graduation. Lack of time, lack of support staff, and lack of privacy were identified barriers. Student readiness and interest were the greatest positive predictors for planning to provide clinical services. Conclusion Students' perceived readiness is critical for them to plan to provide clinical services in the future. Exposing students to clinical opportunities in pharmacy education and practice is essential to ensure expansion of clinical services in community pharmacy.