2020-08-012024-05-17https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/677890Six grade students at National Taiwan University School of Pharmacy have 18-week Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) as hospital rotations. Our previous study found students' self-efficacy scores on interpersonal and communication skills (ICS) were lower than expected by using an anonymous questionnaire scale. Therefore, four communication skill-related learning activities had been initiated in order to improve students' exposure and abilities. In addition, self-efficacy scale prior and after APPE, and focus group interview were conducted in order to identify the root causes. A total of 45 students completed the survey before (May to September, 2020) and after (on May fourth, 2021) APPE. The analysis demonstrated the improvement of ICS and pharmaceutical care domains, which were 3.54 to 3.89 and 3.50 to 3.97, respectively. Thirty-three Pharm.D. candidates, alumni, faculty members and preceptors participated in the 4 focus groups. They felt there were many opportunities for students in APPE to present their ICS. Potential reasons for poor skills and room for improvements included personality traits, etiquette, presentation skills, logical thinking, basic professional knowledge and skills, etc. We plan to apply the study results to improve courses (demonstration and role play, small group discussion led by individual pharmacist, multidisciplinary discussion, etc.) and APPE (OSCE and more opportunity of patient contact, etc.). With the enhanced teaching quality and students’ competency, we may expect more competent pharmacists taking care of our patients and society in the future.