Impact of Psychiatric Pharmacist-Led Psychopharmacology Didactics for Psychiatry Residents

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of board-certified psychiatric pharmacist (BCPP)-led psychopharmacology lectures to psychiatry residents and fellows. Methods: Surveys were administered to psychiatry residents and geriatric psychiatry fellows at two teaching institutions between Fall 2021 and Spring 2023, including two distinct residency programs and one fellowship program. The survey consisted of three quantitative questions and one qualitative question soliciting open-ended constructive feedback. Results: Of 39 participants (response rate: 80%), 100% strongly agreed that learning from a BCPP enhanced their learning of psychopharmacology concepts. Additionally, 100% strongly agreed they would recommend psychopharmacology lectures from a BCPP to other psychiatry residents and that concepts taught by the BCPP were applicable to their clinical practice. Qualitative feedback indicated valuing pharmacist input and stated preference to learn from medication-experts on psychopharmacology topics. Conclusions: Integrating BCPPs into psychiatry resident/fellow didactic training is well received by psychiatry residents and may simultaneously enhance education of psychopharmacologic concepts in addition to enrichment of interprofessional experiences by increased routine exposure to working directly with a clinical pharmacist. Program directors are encouraged to meet with BCPPs at their respective institutions to discuss opportunities for collaboration.