Philippine E-Journals

Experiential Pharmacy Practice (EPP) Catch up Plan for University of Makati: A Program Development Action Research

Justine Marie A. Ocampo | Maria Fay Nenette M. Cariaga | Estela DV Barasi

 

Abstract:

In the Philippines, the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) including local universities were prompted to plan and prepare for the implementation of limited face-to-face classes following the release of the CHED memoranda. As a response, a 5-day catchup plan was conducted at the University of Makati followed by a 3-day internship onsite at a renowned private hospital in NCR. This research aimed to determine the feedback of sixteen (16) level 4 students along the said catch up plan and onsite hospital pharmacy exposure. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches (concurrent mixed methods) were used in this study. An online survey using a feedback questionnaire with content adapted from the requirements stated in Joint Memorandum Circular 2021- 004 was administered. Results reveal that the indicators under areas of planning and implementation were rated by the respondents as outstanding indicating very high satisfaction with the implementation of the catch-up plan. The themes generated from the qualitative data include positive learning experiences and contextualized learning supplemented by online learning. The program’s best features are along areas of instructors/facilitators who have relevant teaching styles, teaching-learning activities that warrant team collaboration, lessons translated to practice, practical assessment, and appropriate learning engagement. Points for improvement include an increase in days allotted for the catch-up plan, some materials required for the laboratory needed budget, lack of isolation rooms, and difficulty in fulfilling pre-deployment requirements. The respondents believe in the possibility of hybrid learning. Overall, the 8-day catch-up plan became a worthwhile experience for the learners of the University of Makati.