Impact of a social media post on improving an existing residency program

TL;DR

A social media post inspired changes in a pharmacy residency program to align with new standards and reduce preceptor workload.

Contribution

The paper demonstrates how external feedback can drive structural improvements in established residency programs.

Findings

Changes were made to align with harmonized residency standards.

Preceptor burden was reduced by removing unnecessary requirements.

New leadership and recruitment processes were introduced.

Abstract

A social media post prompted reflection and changes to a longstanding pharmacy residency program. Pharmacy leadership utilized consultants with expertise in pharmacy residency training to help facilitate change and introduce new ideas to tenured staff. Other health systems working to continuously improve their residency programs may benefit from our example.

The guiding principles of the changes were to align with the new harmonized residency program standards and reduce preceptor burden and potential burnout. Changes were made to the entire program’s design, including new leadership, changes to committee structure, reduced requirements for preceptors that were not required in the standards, and resident recruitment and onboarding.

We encourage residency programs to regularly evaluate program structure, design, and conduct to ensure alignment with the organization’s evolving priorities as well as its mission and vision.