Introduction

The Certificate in Aging Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University allows students to study gerontology while completing their doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) or graduate pharmaceutical sciences degree concurrently. The objective of the study was to evaluate alumni satisfaction with the Certificate in Aging Studies program, its application, and its perceived usefulness.

Methods

Alumni of the program (n = 49) were emailed an anonymous electronic survey about their perceptions of the program. The survey was emailed three times. Responses to eight multiple choice questions were summarized using descriptive statistics. Two free response questions were qualitatively analyzed for themes by two investigators.

Results

The response rate to the survey was 59.2% (n = 29). Most respondents practice in hospital settings (24.1%) and did not undertake additional postgraduate clinical training (44.8%) or earn additional geriatric certifications (69%). The majority (65.5%) reported using the dual program in their career and would recommend the Certificate in Aging Studies to others (96.6%). Most (59%) alumni indicated that the best part of the program was the interprofessional interaction, and 69% suggested no further areas of improvement for the program.

Conclusions

A PharmD-Gerontology dual program is one way to enhance the workforce to care for the growing older population. This partnership approach should be considered by schools of pharmacy that also offer degree programs in gerontology.

中文翻译：

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老年研究项目药学博士/研究生证书的校友调查

介绍

弗吉尼亚联邦大学的老龄化研究证书允许学生在完成药学博士 (PharmD) 或药学研究生学位的同时学习老年学。该研究的目的是评估校友对老龄化研究证书课程、其应用和感知有用性的满意度。

方法

该计划的校友 ( n = 49) 通过电子邮件发送了一份匿名电子调查问卷，内容涉及他们对该计划的看法。该调查通过电子邮件发送了 3 次。使用描述性统计总结了对八个多项选择题的回答。两名调查员针对主题对两个自由回答问题进行了定性分析。

结果

调查的回应率为 59.2% ( n = 29)。大多数受访者在医院工作 (24.1%) 并且没有接受额外的研究生临床培训 (44.8%) 或获得额外的老年医学证书 (69%)。大多数人 (65.5%) 报告说在他们的职业生涯中使用过双重课程，并会向其他人 (96.6%) 推荐老龄研究证书。大多数 (59%) 校友表示该计划的最佳部分是跨专业互动，69% 表示该计划没有进一步改进的领域。

结论

药学博士-老年学双重计划是增强劳动力以照顾不断增长的老年人口的一种方式。也提供老年学学位课程的药学院应该考虑这种合作方式。