Attributes of rigor and quality and suggested best practices for qualitative research design as they relate to the steps of designing, conducting, and reporting qualitative research in health professions educational scholarship are presented. A research question must be clear and focused and supported by a strong conceptual framework, both of which contribute to the selection of appropriate research methods that enhance trustworthiness and minimize researcher bias inherent in qualitative methodologies. Qualitative data collection and analyses are often modified through an iterative approach to answering the research question. Researcher reflexivity, essentially a researcher's insight into their own biases and rationale for decision-making as the study progresses, is critical to rigor. This article reviews common standards of rigor, quality scholarship criteria, and best practices for qualitative research from design through dissemination.

Objective. To determine the attitudes of second-year pharmacy students toward older people in general and geriatric patients in particular after attending an Early Pharmacy Practice Experiences 2 course. Methods. One hundred forty-four second-year pharmacy students completed the Geriatrics Knowledge Test and Attitudes Survey between 2008 and 2010. Results. On 11 of 14 items, most students had a favorable opinion of older people and providing geriatric care (mean . 3.0 on a 5-point scale). For example, students believed that treatment of chronically ill elderly patients is not hopeless ( 4.2 6 1.0) and that most older people are pleasant to be with ( 3.8 6 1.0). Gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, having children, and rural or nonrural upbringing were not related to the students' attitudes for most items. Conclusion. Although the majority of second-year pharmacy students had favorable attitudes toward older people and geriatric care, the lack of research in this area suggests that further studies are needed.

Central Appalachia residents present unique healthcare challenges. This vulnerable population faces poor health status and low access to health care. 'The Health Wagon' was established to innovatively enhance access to health care for the poor and marginalized rural population of Central Appalachia. This article describes the operations of the Health Wagon, a full mobile medical clinic, in delivering free health care to those in rural Southwest Virginia in Central Appalachia. The Health Wagon provides a wide range of comprehensive healthcare services, such as acute and chronic disease management, laboratory and diagnostic services, medication assistance, dental and eye care and specialty clinics for marginalized, poor and disenfranchised patients living in the mountains of that region. In 2009, a total of 157 clinics were provided and 2900 patients were seen (3165 patient encounters) in addition to 268 telemedicine specialty consultations at no cost to the patients. The work of the Health Wagon has broken down a financial barrier to healthcare access and offers unique and profound opportunities to improve health and expand health care in rural Central Appalachia.

Pharmacy students had positive attitudes toward elderly patients and nursing facilities and adequate knowledge of geriatrics after completing the geriatric rotation.

Many students enjoyed visiting with their nursing facility patients and developed a personal relationship with them. Students also learned many aspects as individuals and as future pharmacists.