Institutional Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) Objectives
IPPE experiences should evolve the pharmacy students understanding of and proficiency in the practice of
pharmacy in institutional settings. Appendix 1 defines the didactic development of UT pharmacy students over
their P1-P3 years which can be utilized in the determination of when shadowing/observing versus active
participation is appropriate for specific activities.
Over the course of the Institutional IPPE throughout the P1 through P3 years, the student should progress from
observing, then to participating in the following:
Professionalism (Mandatory)
1. Demonstrate the ability to carry out responsibilities in accordance with legal, ethical, and social
standards
2. Demonstrate the ability to establish effective relationships with patients and other health professionals
3. Arrive on time, prepared, and professionally dressed for all activities and demonstrate effective
utilization of time
4. Maintain protected health information in a confidential manner
5. Develop the philosophy of a team approach to patient care
6. Demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize, and complete projects and assignments in an accurate and
timely manner
Distributive Functions (Mandatory)
1. Processing orders within the legal practice of pharmacy:
a. Hardcopy or telephone or computer order entry
b. Proper interpretation of medication orders and determining completeness, accuracy, legality and
safety
c. Consultation with nurses or physicians regarding order clarifications, questions, inappropriate
abbreviations or concerns
d. The process for entering various types of medication orders into the pharmacy computer system
e. Appropriate management of DUR messages upon order entry
2. Preparing and dispensing medication within the legal practice of pharmacy:
a. Oral formulations of drugs
b. Topical formulations of drugs
c. IV medications and other sterile products
i. Performing all necessary calculations and utilizing the appropriate diluents
3. Observe & participate in the various methods available within the institution for delivering medications
to patients, including electronic medication stations & proper storage on the units
4. Observe & participate in the process for receiving and stocking drug products
5. Observe & participate in the process for handling out-of-stock medication orders
6. Observe & participate in the process for handling unused medications that have been returned to the
pharmacy including controlled substances
7. Observe & participate in the stocking or refilling of emergency drug kits/crash carts
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Clinical Functions (Optional)
1. Identification of potential medication errors which could occur at each point in the drug distribution
process
2. Documentation & reporting of medication errors
3. Observe & participate in the institution’s clinical services such as: (not an all inclusive list)
a. Pharmacokinetic dosing and monitoring
b. Anticoagulation
c. IV to PO conversion
d. Renal dosing
e. Antimicrobial stewardship
f. Rounding with medical team or pharmacy rounds
i. SOAP-ing patients
4.
Describe the philosophy & importance of practicing evidence-based medicine
Drug Information and Education (Optional)
1. Describe & utilize the various references and electronic recourses available to the pharmacy staff within
the institution
2. Identify & utilize the most appropriate resource(s) to respond to drug information questions from
patients or healthcare providers
a. Provide either verbally or in writing this information accurately and professionally
3. Observe & participate in medication education programs and/or patient discharge counseling provided
by the institution
4. Observe & participate in the medication reconciliation process upon admission within the institution
5. Conduct drug literature searches & appropriately summarize the information found
Administration and Management (Optional)
1. The role and importance of JCAHO, the State Board of Pharmacy, and other regulatory bodies within
the institution
2. The roles and responsibilities of the Director of Pharmacy and/or the Operations Manager
3. The basic principles of budget management
4. The process of competency and performance assessment for pharmacists and technicians within the
institution
5. The interdisciplinary committees & meetings in which pharmacy participates
6. The institution’s formulary management process
7. The quality control measures within the institution
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