Rotation students' perceptions of clinical workload documentation using a personal digital assistant

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether emphasizing the importance of clinical workload documentation (CWD) throughout the clinical rotation experience would positively impact student views of documentation. METHODS: A prospective pre- and postsurvey study design was utilized to evaluate 4^th-year pharmacy students' views of CWD using personal digital assistants while on clinical rotation at an institution during the 2003 to 2004 (Group A) and 2004 to 2005 (Group B) academic years. RESULTS: Student perceptions on the value of CWD improved significantly for both Group A (P = 0.003) and Group B (P = 0.033). Students in both groups also reported they had experience or significant experience with CWD after the rotation experience (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Students' perception of the value and importance of CWD improved significantly throughout the rotation period with emphasis from the faculty.