(103) Outcomes 7 Years After Development of an Area of Concentration in Geriatrics and Palliative Care

Objective : There is an escalating need for pharmacists to provide care for geriatric and palliative care patients. Developing and maintaining an Area of Concentration in Geriatrics and Palliative Care (ARCO-GPC) is a mechanism to provide students a pathway to pursue an area of emphasis consistent with their professional interests during their Doctor of Pharmacy education. The purpose is to describe the development and 7-year outcomes of the ARCO-GPC at the University of Pittsburgh.

Methods: Faculty developed the ARCO-GPC proposal, which was approved by Dean, Senior Vice Chancellor, Provost’s Advisory Committee, and Provost. The ARCO-GPC Academic Requirements includes: Didactic (six credits of approved elective courses); Experiential (two approved APPE rotations); and the completion of a Research Project. The ARCO-GPC accepts applications from 1st and 2nd professional year students.

Results: The inaugural cohort matriculated in May 2018. Nine applications (7th cohort) are currently under review. Sixty-four applications have been received, consistently ranging from 6-12/year. Most (83%) students apply during the 2nd professional year. To date, 33 graduates received the ARCO-GPC certificate with 8 anticipated in April 2024. All graduates successfully completed research projects, primarily mentored by one of the two ARCO-GPC faculty members. Projects, focused on primary medication use problems in palliative care and/or geriatrics, were presented at the national or state level. More than 50% of ARCO-GPC students have pursued residency or fellowship training post-graduation.

Conclusions: The development of an ARCO-GPC took careful planning and systematic organization to maintain it. Sustainability of applicant and subsequent graduate volume confirms continued student interest regarding advanced skill development with a geriatric/palliative care focus. Students were able to individualize their education and many pursued residency or fellowship training after graduation.