IntroductionRare diseases (RDs) are often chronic and progressive life-threatening medical conditions that affect a low percentage of the population compared with other diseases. These conditions can be treated with medications known as orphan drugs (ODs). Unfortunately, there is no universal definition of RDs or ODs. This systematic review (SR) will identify the quantitative and qualitative criteria and the underlying rationale used internationally to define RDs and ODs.Methods and analysisThis protocol follows the conventions for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (2015 guidelines). A SR will be conducted, including a search of the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, GreyLit and OpenGrey. Eligible publications will be selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Extracted data will be analysed using thematic and content analyses of qualitative descriptors, whereas quantitative data will be analysed descriptively and reported in the form of frequencies and percentages.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval is required since this SR focuses on the secondary analysis of data retrieved from the scientific literature. The outcomes of this SR will be published as part of a PhD thesis, presented at conferences, and published in peer-reviewed journals.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021252701.

Background: This article describes a virtual surgery advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) designed during the COVID-19 outbreak for undergraduate students. Additionally, the article evaluates the implementation process of the APPE and students’ perceived effectiveness of the virtual experience on their learning.    Methods: A virtual four-week APPE course was designed involving 12 interns using Microsoft Teams. All pre-scheduled activities and meetings with students were performed remotely. The virtual APPE was assessed through an overall outcome survey and a weekly quality survey.     Results: The implementation of the APPE was successful with students agreeing that they effectively managed to meet the objectives of the rotation. Students believed that APPE enhanced their knowledge and skills in surgical pharmacy practice. Their interest in working in a Perioperative clinical pharmacist position increased after the rotation from 50% to 70%.    Conclusion: A virtual surgical APPE that is positively perceived by students can be implemented. Further research is needed to assess the impact of a virtual rotation on clinical skills.