Trainee pharmacists’ evaluation of the formal learning elements within the N. Ireland foundation training year
Authors: Shaw C , Bell H , McComiskey K 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Foundation Training Year (FTY) is a 12-month programme which prepares trainee pharmacists (TPs) to develop the skillset of a registered pharmacist and aids preparation for the Common Registration Assessment (CRA) via both work-based learning and formal learning. The formal learning included within the NI FTY programme consists of development day sessions with associated pre-requisite materials, including exam-style questions. The TPs attend 13 development days which are focused on high and medium weighted topics within the Registration Assessment Framework1 . The sessions take place online and the format is that of case-based discussion and exam-style questions, as well as two mock exams.

Aim
The aim of this study was to analyse TPs’ evaluation of how the formal learning elements prepared them for the CRA.

Methods
TPs (n=128) within FTY 2022/2023 completed an end-of-year evaluation relating to the whole programme, including the formal learning elements. 128 valid responses were received. The evaluation took the form of an online questionnaire with various question types, from Likert scale style(1-9) to free-text responses and was administered via an online link emailed to TPs. No ethical approval was required as the evaluation was not a component of a research project.

Results
In relation to the formal learning elements of the programme, 61% of trainee pharmacists rated the pre-requisite materials for the development day sessions at 6 and above whilst 57% of respondents rated the development day sessions at this level. An increased number of respondents (86%) rated the practice exam-style questions accessed via Moodle at 6 and above with the vast majority (99%) strongly agreeing/agreeing that regular exposure to exam style questions helped them to learn on an ongoing basis, particularly for high and medium weighted registration assessment topics. TPs valued the opportunity to attempt mock exams, with 99% strongly agreeing/agreeing that the mocks prepared them to sit the CRA and helped them to identify developmental needs.

Discussion / conclusion
The majority of TPs valued the formal learning elements of the FTY and felt the sessions and mock exams prepared them to sit the CRA. TP experience of exposure to exam questions was overwhelmingly positive with TPs acknowledging the importance of regular exposure to this element which allows them to develop their knowledge and become proficient in answering the types of questions asked in the CRA.
This provides support for the inclusion of practice exam-style questions on a routine basis in the formal learning programme to support the FTY.
Limitations to the study are that TPs completed the survey prior to obtaining results for the CRA, which may have influenced their responses to the questions posed, however the N. Ireland results were higher than the national average, with 95.6% first time sitters passing the exam in June 2023.
Given this data, we changed formal learning to focus primarily on high and medium-weighted topics of the Registration Assessment Framework1, delivering interactive webinars where TPs answer exam-style questions with additional supplemental learning provided, where needed, by the expert tutor.

Reference
1. General Pharmaceutical Council. Registration assessment framework for sittings in 2024. 2024. https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2024-04/registration-assessment-framework-for-sittings-in-2024.pdf [accessed 3rd June 2024]