Strengths in numbers: Assessing the use of StrengthsFinder 2.0 in a pharmacy residency program

Purpose To quantify the trends of StrengthsFinder 2.0 domains and traits in pharmacy residents within a single residency program. To recognize and discuss the application of resident StrengthsFinder 2.0 traits within a residency program. Methods This is a retrospective review of StrengthsFinder 2.0 domains and traits among first- and second-year postgraduate year (PGY) pharmacy residents over the past 6 years in a community-based health system. Perspectives on the utility of the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment within a residency program, from the viewpoints of a residency program director, a system director of pharmacy, and a current resident, were also obtained and recorded. Results A total of 34 residents with 170 StrengthsFinder 2.0 traits were included in this data analysis. The top StrengthsFinder 2.0 domains of all pharmacy residents were Strategic Thinking and Relationship Building, being exhibited by 36% and 28%, respectively. Learner, Achiever, Harmony, Input, and Restorative were found to be the most frequently reported StrengthsFinder 2.0 traits among all pharmacy residents examined. Learner and Harmony were found to be the top traits of first-year pharmacy residents (11% and 9%), while Achiever and Learner were the most common traits found in the second-year pharmacy residents (13% and 10%). The system pharmacy director, residency program director, and current resident agreed that the assessment tool enhances the resident experience. However, each has their own perspective on the benefits of the StrengthsFinder assessment with respect to the residency program. Conclusion Overall, the top 5 StrengthsFinder 2.0 traits seen in pharmacy residents who have completed a PGY1 or PGY2 residency at Lee Health were: Learner (18%), Achiever (9%), Harmony (7%), Input (6%), and Restorative (6%). Achiever, Harmony, Learner, Input, and Restorative were found to be the most common traits across all categories reported. These trends are similar to those reported in previous studies of StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment of pharmacy students and residents. Evaluating individual StrengthsFinder 2.0 traits at the start of the residency year provides a framework for each resident to complete ongoing self-evaluations. In addition, familiarity with the common traits seen within residents allows residency leadership members to make more thoughtful decisions regarding resident assignments for learning experiences or committee appointments.