What learning strategies are commonly used by hospital pharmacists in the process of self-directed learning? A multicentre qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveAs lifelong learners, hospital pharmacists must continually improve their self-directed learning skills. Reasonable learning strategies have been proven to enhance self-directed learning (SDL) significantly. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the SDL strategies used by hospital pharmacists in depth to provide them with a reference for the development of their SDL skills.SettingThe study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in Henan, China.Design and participantsThis study employed a multicentre qualitative design and lasted 12 months. One-on-one interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the interview data were analysed using the thematic analysis method. Purposive sampling was used to select interviewees (n=17) from three tertiary hospitals in Henan province in central China.ResultsAfter conducting data analysis, we summarised 12 learning strategies related to SDL, which were grouped into four themes: use of information resources, application of cognitive strategies, development of learning plans and use of learning platforms.ConclusionThe findings suggest that classic learning strategies, such as cognitive strategies and the development of learning plans, remain the cornerstones of hospital pharmacists’ SDL abilities, while contemporary advances in information technology and changes in learning concepts have enriched the learning resources and learning platforms that are available to hospital pharmacists and have confronted contemporary hospital pharmacists with certain challenges.

Exploring the influencing factors and facilitating strategies of self-directed learning competence: a multicenter qualitative study from the perspective of medical trainees

“…With the advancement of technology and the development of society, the rational use of learning resources through multiple ways is an effective strategy to enhance SDL competence [25]. In a previous study conducted by our group, the ndings revealed SDL-related learning strategies frequently used by hospital pharmacists, including four aspects: use of information resources, application of cognitive strategies, making learning plans and use of learning platforms [12]. It is worth pointing out that other studies have mentioned a decreasing trend in students' SDL ability as the school year progresses [21].…”

“…This is consistent with the results of this study, in which participants emphasized the learning atmosphere created by peers, colleagues, and other people around them, and mentioned that SDL could be improved through teamwork. In addition, participants in this study suggested other SDL improvement based on their own personal experiences, including adjusting the mindset, setting goals, learning to selfevaluate, and making rational use of learning resources [12]. With the advancement of technology and the development of society, the rational use of learning resources through multiple ways is an effective strategy to enhance SDL competence [25].…”

“…Our group conducted a previous study on SDL-related research with hospital pharmacists. We found that SDL was an essential core competency for healthcare workers, and the standardized training process was an important stage in improving SDL [12]. Factors affecting SDL competence were characterized by complexity and uncertainty, and the socio-cultural context also leads to differences in SDL.…”

“…How to improve SDL is another important topic of concern for researchers. It has been mentioned that learners progressively improve their SDL competencies by setting learning objectives, using resources, applying knowledge and assessing learning outcomes [12]. With the rapid progress of society, young people's attitudes towards life and culture change accordingly, which in turn affects their motivation to learn.…”

“…With the rapid progress of society, young people's attitudes towards life and culture change accordingly, which in turn affects their motivation to learn. In addition, with the continuous updating of information technology, multimedia platforms such as Tik Tok and YouTube are fully integrated into every detail of learners' lives, which in turn affects learners' selection and utilization of learning resources [12]. In the macro context of China's continuous promotion of comprehensive healthcare system reform, the social value and professional identity of medical personnel are also changing, which affects the assessment of the learning effect of such learners [13].…”