Experiential education accommodations for students with disabilities in United States pharmacy schools: An exploratory study

• Published in: Currents in pharmacy teaching and learning Vol. 13; no. 6; pp. 594 - 598
• Main Authors: Spencer, Sara A., Riley, Angela C., Young, Sarah R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Accommodations; Disability; Experiential education; Disability; Accommodations; Experiential education
• ISSN: 1877-1297; 1877-1300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2021.01.044

We sought to identify challenges and possible outcomes for pharmacy schools providing accommodations on experiential rotations for students with disabilities. A survey was developed and sent to the experiential education departments of pharmacy schools across the nation and anonymous responses were collected. Quantitative survey results were assessed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative results were assessed using thematic analysis. A total of 43 individuals who self-identified as current members of the experiential education department of their school responded to the survey. Student, preceptor, and institutional challenges and barriers were identified, and various approaches to providing accommodations for students with disabilities during experiential rotations were described. Providing accommodations for students on experiential rotations remains a challenge for pharmacy programs. However, guidance for pharmacy schools on proper support of students with disabilities on experiential rotations remains limited. •Experiential education is the conduit through which students are able to apply what they have learned in the didactic setting into pharmacy practice.•Pharmacy programs should provide equal access and quality experiences to pharmacy students.•Guidance for pharmacy schools on the proper management of students with disabilities on experiential rotations is limited.