University of Reading MPharm Interim Event Report January 2021

Executive Summary

This interim event report provides a comprehensive overview of the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) program at the University of Reading as of January 2021. The report evaluates programme delivery, student performance, curriculum development, and quality assurance measures during the 2020-2021 academic year, a period significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Programme Overview

The University of Reading's Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme is a four-year undergraduate degree designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required to practice as pharmacists in the UK. The programme is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and follows the most recent pharmacy education standards.

Programme Structure

The MPharm curriculum is structured across four years of study:

• Year 1: Foundations of pharmaceutical science, including chemistry, biology, physiology, and pharmaceutical calculations
• Year 2: Applied therapeutics, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and professional practice
• Year 3: Advanced clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical care, evidence-based practice, and research methodology
• Year 4: Advanced clinical practice, prescription preparation, pharmacy management, and an extended research project

Student Performance and Engagement

Student performance during the reporting period has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in response to changing learning environments due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Academic Performance

Student Engagement

Despite the challenges of remote learning, student engagement has remained steady with positive indicators across multiple metrics:

• Virtual tutorial attendance rates: 92%
• Online lecture view rates: 87%
• Online assessment submission timeliness: 96%
• Virtual laboratory practical completion: 94%
• Engagement with student support services: 23% increase compared to previous year

Teaching and Learning Adaptations

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MPharm programme implemented several adaptations to ensure continuity of education while maintaining quality standards.

Online Learning Implementation

All theoretical components of the curriculum were transitioned to online delivery using the University's Blackboard virtual learning environment and Microsoft Teams for synchronous sessions. Key adaptations included:

• Live and pre-recorded lectures
• Interactive virtual tutorials with breakout rooms
• Online case-based learning sessions
• Virtual practice-based workshops
• Digital pharmaceutical calculation exercises
• Online formative assessments with automated feedback

Practical Experience Adaptations

The practical components of the curriculum required significant adaptation:

• Virtual laboratory simulations replacing in-person laboratory work
• Video demonstrations of compounding techniques
• Virtual pharmacy practice scenarios
• Augmented reality applications for dispensing practice
• Simulated clinical consultations using virtual patients
• Virtual clinical skills assessments

Staff Development and Support

The MPharm teaching team has been supported through comprehensive professional development to effectively deliver online teaching:

• Completed intensive training on Blackboard Ultra and Microsoft Teams
• Participated in workshops on online pedagogy and student engagement
• Received guidance on creating accessible digital content
• Engaged in peer observation of online teaching sessions
• Attended training sessions on assessment design for remote delivery

Teaching staff have demonstrated exceptional adaptability and dedication in transforming their teaching approaches while maintaining programme quality.

Curriculum Developments

Several curriculum developments were implemented or planned during the reporting period:

New Content Additions

• Extended module on pandemic healthcare responses
• Additional content on digital health and telepharmacy
• Enhanced pharmaceutical public health components
• New material on antimicrobial stewardship in primary care
• Updated content on COVID-19 vaccination and therapeutics

Curriculum Review Initiatives

Following accreditation guidance and emerging healthcare priorities, several curriculum review initiatives were undertaken:

• Enhancing integration of clinical and science content
• Strengthening professional identity formation elements
• Incorporating sustainability perspectives in pharmaceutical care
• Further developing prescribing skills throughout the programme
• Improving health equity content across all modules

Quality Assurance Arrangements

Quality assurance processes have been adapted to maintain standards despite remote learning:

Academic Standards

• External examiner reports reviewed through virtual meetings
• Moderation of assessments conducted online
• Enhanced calibration of markers for online assessments
• Additional checks on assessment security for digital submissions

Student Voice

• Student-Staff Committee meetings moved online with increased participation
• Additional mid-module feedback points incorporated
• Enhanced student survey mechanisms specifically for online learning experiences
• Virtual focus groups to gather detailed feedback on programme adaptations

Student Support Services

Student support services were significantly enhanced to address the challenges of remote learning and pandemic-related difficulties:

• 24/7 online mental health support service
• Dedicated academic advisors offering virtual appointments
• Technical support specifically for online learning platforms
• Enhanced digital resources for time management and study skills
• Virtual peer mentoring programme connecting Year 1 students with senior students
• Laptop loan scheme expanded for students without adequate digital devices
• Online social events to maintain community building
• Digital wellbeing resources specifically addressing screen fatigue and remote learning challenges

Industry and Practice Partnerships

Relationships with industry and practice partners have been maintained and developed throughout the pandemic:

NHS Collaboration

• Virtual teaching sessions continue to be delivered by NHS pharmacists
• Online clinical scenarios developed in collaboration with hospital trusts
• Virtual ward rounds simulated through video recording and live discussion
• Remote patient case consultations with clinical pharmacists

Community Pharmacy Engagement

• Community pharmacists continue to contribute to case-based learning sessions
• Mental health first aid training adapted for online delivery
• Public health campaign development work conducted virtually
• Scheduled virtual practice placement experiences for Year 3 students

Industry Partnerships

• Virtual industrial visits and presentations maintained
• Guest lectures from pharmaceutical industry professionals delivered online
• Industrial research projects adapted for remote supervision

Research and Scholarly Activity

MPharm students engaged in various research activities despite restrictions:

Student Research Projects

• Year 4 projects successfully transitioned to remote supervision
• Laboratory-based projects modified to focus on secondary research where necessary
• Enhanced emphasis on systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• Increased opportunities for collaborative online research with other institutions

Staff Research Outputs

MPharm teaching staff have continued to produce research outputs during the reporting period, with several papers submitted on pharmacy education innovation during the pandemic.

Covid-19 Specific Developments

The MPharm programme has incorporated several COVID-19 specific developments to ensure relevance of education:

• Hospital pharmacy pandemic response case studies integrated throughout the curriculum
• Pharmacist's role in mass vaccination clinics simulated in practical sessions
• Rapid evaluation of COVID-19 therapeutics incorporated into pharmacotherapy teaching
• Public health messaging strategies for pandemic situations practiced in communication skills workshops
• Management of medicine shortages during crisis situations addressed in pharmacy management modules

Future Plans and Recommendations

Building on the experiences of the pandemic period, the MPharm programme has identified several areas for continued development:

Blended Learning Approaches

• Develop optimized blended learning models incorporating best practices from remote delivery
• Create online resources that complement and enhance face-to-face teaching
• Implement hybrid assessment approaches that balance security with accessibility

Digital and Technological Integration

• Further integration of digital health technologies in curriculum
• Development of virtual reality components for practical experience
• Extended use of simulation for clinical skills development

Curriculum Evolution

• Review programme outcomes in light of emerging healthcare priorities
• Enhance interprofessional education opportunities delivered through online platforms
• Further develop prescribing skills throughout the programme
• Integrate sustainability perspectives across all modules

Conclusion

The January 2021 interim assessment of the University of Reading MPharm programme demonstrates that, despite significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme has successfully maintained educational quality and standards. Through rapid adaptation and innovation in teaching delivery, comprehensive student support, and continued engagement with practice partners, the programme has ensured that students continue to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes required for future practice.

The resilience demonstrated by both students and staff during this period has been notable, with positive outcomes in student performance and engagement despite challenging circumstances.

The experiences and innovations developed during this period provide valuable foundations for ongoing enhancement of the MPharm programme through the integration of digital technologies and the development of blended learning approaches that will benefit future cohorts beyond the pandemic period.