Frame of Reference Training (FORT)

Experiential education comprises a significant portion of the curriculum for pharmacy students, therefore it is important that preceptors across practice settings engage in standardized assessment processes.

Through the exercise of viewing simulated Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) scenarios and assigning ratings with supporting feedback, we expect to improve preceptor confidence in assessing students and overall, advance the quality of student assessment and feedback. It is essential for pharmacy students to utilize quality assessments to acknowledge and reflect on their abilities and areas for growth on their path to becoming independent health care professionals.

FORT currently consists of five modules. We suggest that you complete the Introduction module, and then proceed to the module(s) most relevant to your practice setting(s) with pharmacy students. 

The modules each range from 5 to 20 minutes in duration and are best viewed on a computer with audio functionality.

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

This module provides an introduction to FORT scenarios, including objectives and the importance of factors that contribute to variability in assessments.

2. Ambulatory Direct Patient Care Scenarios (15 minutes)

There are two student scenarios in this module. In the first scenario, the student is asked to conduct a telephone follow-up with a recently discharged patient. In the second scenario, the student presents the patient to a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

3. Community Direct Patient Care Scenarios (20 minutes)

 The PharmD student, after spending the first two rotation weeks providing OTC counseling, responds to a new mother asking about sunscreen for her baby, and then for herself. In a second scenario, the student completes a MedsCheck. Sample documentation accompanies each scenario.

4. Institutional Direct Patient Care Scenarios (20 minutes)

There are three scenarios in this module. Involving the same patient case, the student is asked to complete a BPMH on an admitted patient, provide counselling on a new medication, and subsequently answer a drug information question from a nurse.

5. Non-direct Patient Care (NDPC) Scenarios (15 minutes)

The PharmD student interacts with their preceptor in two scenarios. The student and preceptor discuss how to approach an adverse drug report. This is followed by another scenario in which the student has a computer problem that results in lost work.

Proof of Completion

If you have not already done so, please register your completion of modules by filling out the short form.

For further information, please contact: oee.phm@utoronto.ca

FORT Development Team: Debbie Kwan, Karen Cameron, Vinita Arora, Della Croteau and Marcia McLean, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto

Acknowledgements:

• David Dubins, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, for filming and editing the simulated scenarios

• Zena Al-Janaby (2T3), Jenna Rizzo (2T3) and Marigrace Gorospe (2T3) for their assistance with designing the online modules.

• All the LDFP students and Faculty who gave their time as script writers, actors and reviewers.

• Funding: Innovations in Teaching Grant, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto