Patient Care Rotations FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  1. What are the differences between a Co-op work term and a Patient Care Rotation?

  2. When will the PharmD Patient Care Rotations be offered?

  3. What are the training requirements for preceptors?

  4. Can I take vacation when I’m supervising a student?

  5. What are the learning objectives for students in their Patient Care Rotations?

  6. What is my role as the preceptor for Patient Care Rotations?

  7. What is the role of the Interprofessional Evaluator?

  8. How often are preceptors required to complete student assessments for Patient Care Rotations?

  9. Are students able to practice independently?

  10. What are the benefits for preceptors who supervise Waterloo students on Patient Care Rotations?

  11. Can a student fail a PharmD patient care rotation?


1. What are the differences between a Co-op work term and a Patient Care Rotation?

 
CO-OP WORK TERMS
PATIENT CARE ROTATIONS
4TH YEAR ENTRY-LEVEL PHARMD PROGRAM (ELPD)
PHARMD BRIDGING PROGRAM
DURATION
(16-18 weeks) x 3 work terms (8 weeks) x 3 rotations Full-time = 8 weeks
Part-time = 16 weeks
SCHEDULE
Take place during years 2 & 3 of entry-level PharmD program (ELPD) Take place during 4th year of entry-level PharmD program (ELPD), between February and August Final element of the PharmD Bridging Program for Waterloo Pharmacy alumni only, take place year-round
PROCESS
Students apply, employers interview & rank, followed by a matching process Students are randomly assigned to their placements Students are assigned to their placements
FUNDING
Sites pay students as co-op employees; students pay co-op fee. Non-paid placements; these are courses with applicable tuition fees. Non-paid placements; these are courses with applicable tuition fees.
STUDENTS’ DUTIES
Duties assigned per employer’s job description, for which students receive a salary during their work term. Students interview and assess patients, identify drug related needs, review alternatives, develop and implement care plans which address actual or potential health concerns, and collaborate with interprofessional colleagues to improve patient health outcomes. Students interview and assess patients, identify drug related needs, review alternatives, develop and implement care plans which address actual or potential health concerns, and collaborate with interprofessional colleagues to improve patient health outcomes.
LOCATION
Based on student applications Students are assigned to a region. Regions are throughout the province of Ontario, with KW and GTA only representing a minimal proportion.
Students complete all 3 of their rotations within one region.
Students are generally assigned to a practice site within a reasonable distance from their home and (or) current place of practice.
OPTION FOR STUDENT TO “SELF-ARRANGE”?
Yes, co-op work terms can be self- arranged by students, and the School of Pharmacy will consider for approval. No, patient care rotations cannot be self-arranged. No, patient care rotations cannot be self-arranged.

Return to FAQ list

2. When will the PharmD Patient Care Rotations be offered?


Beginning in February each year, 4th year PharmD Patient Care Rotations take place over the following 6-month period; there are three 8-week rotations during this period. The minimum commitment for a preceptor is one 8-week rotation. Preceptors indicate their availability on the Preceptor Availability Form (provided by the Regional Clinical Coordinator).

Patient Care Rotations under the School’s PharmD Bridging Program occur throughout the year.

Return to FAQ list


3. What are the training requirements for preceptors?


1) Preceptors are asked to complete one of the following Preceptor Development Training modules

*Note—While the UofT PDP program satisfies the training requirement for UW School of Pharmacy Clinical Preceptors, preceptors should follow-up with UofT directly in determining their ongoing eligibility for this training program.


2) Preceptors must also attend a University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy specific orientation workshop which is hosted locally by your Regional Clinical Coordinator. Topics covered include an overview of the curriculum, the Community of Practice Model, learning objectives, and assessment tools. This training is mandatory for new preceptors, a refresher session for previous preceptors will be required every 5 years (unless major changes to the program occur). 

Return to FAQ list


4. Can I take vacation when I’m supervising a student?

Preceptors should try to avoid taking students during a rotation that coincides with extended planned vacations.

In cases where the preceptor is unexpectedly away for a few days, please make arrangements for a secondary preceptor to provide coverage - preferably a preceptor who has been approved by the School of Pharmacy and (or) has completed preceptor training.

Return to FAQ list


5. What are the learning objectives for students in their Patient Care Rotations?

  • Apply core knowledge, skills and professional judgment to provide pharmaceutical care.
  • Communicate with diverse audiences, using a variety of strategies.
  • Collaborate with a full range of healthcare teams to provide effective, quality healthcare while fulfilling professional obligations.
  • Manage the medication therapy of patients with common and complex medication therapy problems.
  • Advocate on behalf of the patient and the profession to advance healthcare models.
  • Honour their role as a self-regulated professional through individual patient care and fulfillment of professional obligations.

Return to FAQ list


6. What is my role as the preceptor for Patient Care Rotations?

Preceptors play a pivotal role in providing students with valuable practice experience. During the patient care rotations we ask preceptors to:

  • Create and foster a positive learning environment.
  • Recruit 2 allied health professionals (i.e. other health care practitioners) at their site, who will work with the student and provide feedback to you regarding interprofessional collaboration skills.
  • Involve the student in decision-making aspects of patient care.
  • Provide support to students to ensure learning objectives are achieved.
  • Collaborate with the Regional Clinical Coordinator as required.
  • Complete student assessments and assignments as per the specified timelines of the School.

Return to FAQ list


7. What is the role of the Interprofessional Evaluator?

The interprofessional assessment requires at least 2 members of another regulated health profession who are asked to provide feedback to the preceptor, to allow assessment of the student at the end of their rotation, with respect to the 6 domains from the CIHC Interprofessional Competency Framework (e.g. Interprofessional Communication, collaborative leadership, role clarification, etc.).

Return to FAQ list


8. How often are preceptors required to complete student assessments for Patient Care Rotations?


Students are assessed at week 2 (feedback only), week 4 (midpoint) and week 8 (final).

Return to FAQ list


9. Are students able to practice independently?


As per Student Legal Authority with regards to Scope of Practice, our students are able to engage in more independent practice whereby the level of supervision is to be determined by the supervisor.


OCP’s Legal Authority for Scopes of Practice chart outlines specifics with respect to supervision of registered pharmacy students. The chart and other information about Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope are available on the OCP website.


OCP has also prepared a fact-sheet about the Supervision of Pharmacy Students & Interns which outlines principles to assist preceptors in determining the level of supervision required in fulfilling patient care and legislative requirements.

Return to FAQ list


10. What are the benefits for preceptors who supervise Waterloo students on Patient Care Rotations?

  • Preceptors are provided with 1-year access to the University’s e-library services.
  • Preceptors are appointed to the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy as “Clinical Preceptor”.
  • Preceptors may include this as part of their learning and professional development OCP learning portfolio.

Return to FAQ list


11. Can a student fail a PharmD patient care rotation?


Yes, this can happen. The Patient Care Rotations constitute academic courses, and sites can fail a student if the student receives lower than the required passing grade percentage for the course.

Return to FAQ list


For more information please refer to the Patient Care Rotation Manual and online Preceptor Resources.