Objective This study assessed and compared perceptions of professional identity (PI) and interprofessional identity (IPI) of professional third- (P3) and fourth-year (P4) student pharmacists and explored their intercorrelations. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to P3 and P4 student pharmacists nearing completion of the academic year. Demographics were collected. Survey instruments included the Macleod-Clark Professional Identity Scale (MCPIS-9) and the Extended Professional Identity Scale (EPIS) to measure the PI and IPI constructs, respectively. Reliability, factor structure, cohort comparisons, correlations, and predictors were analyzed. Results Seventy-five students (87 surveyed: 86%) were included in the analysis (73% P3, 27% P4; 76% females; 24% males). Survey instruments showed high reliability (Cronbach's alpha:.85-.97). P4 students identified most with the medicines adviser and clinical practitioner PIs. P3 students identified evenly with different PIs, though showed greater identification with the business person, entrepreneur, and unremarkable character PIs. Both cohorts positively identified with the profession with strong interprofessional belonging, commitment, and belief as reflected in their high MCPIS-9 and EPIS scores, respectively. P4 exhibited a stronger professional association than P3 students, while IPI was similar between cohorts. The overall MCPIS-9 and EPIS had weak positive correlations. The EPIS subscales demonstrated strong positive intercorrelations. Conclusion P3 and P4 student pharmacists had strong PIs and IPI. Students exhibited multiple PIs. PI and IPI remained consistent across gender, professional years, and academic plans. The positive weak association between PI and IPI indicates related yet distinct constructs. Advanced pharmacy practice experiences appear to reinforce PI and contribute to IPI.
Btaiche et al. (Mon,) studied this question.