Implementation of an innovative PGY2 pharmacy residency led by a virtual precepting team with a focus on telehealth.

PURPOSE: Remote work and telehealth expanded with the COVID-19 pandemic. Allowances prompted programs to explore innovative ways to expand residency training opportunities. This article describes the development and implementation of the first telehealth-focused, virtual pharmacy residency program in the VA.

SUMMARY: This article describes the background, premise, development, and outcomes of a virtual residency program within a large healthcare system. The benefits and challenges of implementing a telehealth-focused residency and experiences during the first 2 years of the program are reported. Relevant clinical outcomes were compared to outcomes of a traditional, on-site VA postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) ambulatory care residency program, showing experiences were comparable for residents in the primarily virtual program.

CONCLUSION

The experiences described may serve as a framework for health systems to expand access for residents through novel virtual PGY2 pharmacy residency programs focused on providing telehealth training and expertise.