Perceptions of PGY1 residency program directors towards online pharmacy students.

Background: While research has identified characteristics that improve students' chances of matching into a post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) residency, it is unclear how graduating from an online pharmacy program affects these chances. Our qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore perceptions of residency program directors (RPDs) towards online pharmacy students and how these perceptions may affect match rankings.

Methods: PGY1 RPDs were identified using the ASHP Residency Directory, recruited via email, and interviewed with a set of prespecified open-ended questions. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed, with transcripts being used to develop consensus codes and consequent themes and subthemes.

Results: Fourteen RPDs from a variety of residency program types were interviewed. Most RPDs had positive or neutral perceptions towards online pharmacy programs. Their perceptions of the students in these programs were mixed, with some extolling drive and motivation, while others assuming laziness as motivation for pursuing an online program. RPDs mentioned that being in an online pharmacy program could negatively affect students' skills, such as patient care and communication skills, while others felt it could positively affect self-advocacy and time management skills. Despite these concerns, RPDs reiterated they use the same criteria and advice as they would for traditional students and that it would not affect their ranking.

Conclusions: RPDs' perceptions towards online pharmacy programs and the students in them were mixed, with some being concerned the nature of these programs would negatively impact skills needed for residency. Despite these concerns, RPDs reiterated these students will be assessed no differently from traditional students.