An elective course on lifestyle modifications in pharmacotherapy

Objectives

Develop and implement a pharmacy course explaining basic lifestyle modification components and assess changes in student knowledge, skills, beliefs, and confidence after completing the course.

Design

A 2-credit hour elective course was offered to pharmacy students in which basic lifestyle modification components were applied to case-based patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in the pharmacy practice setting through comprehensive wellness programs. Knowledge, skills, beliefs, and confidence assessments were embedded into the course.

Assessment

There were significant improvements in students'' skills and confidence, and in most knowledge areas, but not in their beliefs regarding health behaviors.

Conclusion

Implementing an elective course on lifestyle modifications is an effective means of teaching students about wellness and disease prevention.     

A seminar course on contemporary pharmacy issues

Objectives

To implement and evaluate an innovative approach to a pharmacy seminar course intended to develop students'' presentation skills and encourage them to think critically about contemporary pharmacy issues.

Design

The instructor provided lectures intended to prepare students for their presentations. These lectures included tips on writing abstracts, learning objectives, use of visual aids, and presentation delivery. Pairs of students chose a pharmacy issue, researched their topic including identifying various strengths of evidence to support a perspective, wrote an abstract and learning objectives, prepared their visual aids, and delivered a pro/con perspective. Students also provided peer evaluations for these presentations. A personal response system was used to provide class input on the presentations.

Assessment

Ninety-five percent of the peer evaluations of the presentations were good to excellent. The overall course evaluations indicated achievement of course goals.

Conclusions

A pharmacy seminar course intended to develop student presentation skills and critical thinking about contemporary pharmacy issues was demonstrated to be successful. The “taking sides” format was an effective design for accomplishing these objectives.     

Poster project to emphasize public health in the pharmacy curriculum

Objective

To implement and assess a required public health poster project in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program.

Design

Third-year PharmD students collaborated in pairs to research a public health topic relating to pharmacy practice. Each student group prepared an informational poster, while receiving feedback from a faculty mentor at each stage of the project. The students presented their completed posters at a statewide pharmacy conference.

Assessment

Faculty members evaluated the posters with a grading rubric, and students completed a survey instrument that assessed the overall experience. In general, faculty members rated the class highly across all domains of the grading rubric. The class generally agreed that the poster project increased their awareness of public health issues related to pharmacy practice, overall knowledge of public health, and presentation skills.

Conclusion

The implementation of a poster project was well received by students and faculty members as an effective method for enhancing public health instruction in the PharmD program at North Dakota State University.     

Student Leadership Retreat Focusing on a Commitment to Excellence

Objective

To design and evaluate a student leadership retreat focused on: leadership regardless of position or title, the need for passionate commitment to excellence, the importance of teamwork, and the value of self-reflection.

Design

Students in their second, third, and fourth year of a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program were invited to participate in an off-campus leadership retreat that combined organized learning activities and social/networking opportunities. Retreat content utilized didactic, experiential, and self-directed learning activities.

Assessment

Forty-two students participated in the retreat and were surveyed pre- and post-retreat. A student-led group evaluation and course evaluations were also utilized. Responses on the post-retreat evaluation suggested an increased belief in their ability to influence change and an enhanced awareness of the role of self-reflection in creating excellence in the profession.

Conclusion

An off-campus overnight retreat has value in challenging student perceptions about leadership and promoting reflection on their personal role in leading change within the profession Continued exploration and development of this format is warranted for commitment to excellence programming and also for additional leadership topics and audiences.     

An Elective Course in Personal Finance for Health Care Professionals

Objectives

To create, implement, and assess an elective course on the principles and applications of personal finance.

Design

A 1.5 unit (15 hours total) elective course was designed using active-learning pedagogy, lecture, and group discussion. Homework assignments were designed to provide practical tools and materials that students could individualize and apply to their personal financial goals.

Assessment

Student satisfaction, using a standard course evaluation form, revealed consistent high ratings. Student enrollment increased from 19 students in its initial year to 90 students in its fourth year. Student knowledge, assessed using the Jump$tart Financial Literacy Survey, indicated significant knowledge acquisition.

Conclusion

Many pharmacy students are ill equipped to effectively handle the complex financial decisions they face after graduation. This course provides students with practical tools to identify appropriate ways to achieve their financial goals and critically evaluate financial advice and advisors.     

Improvisational Exercises to Improve Pharmacy Students' Professional Communication Skills

Objective

To create and implement improvisational exercises to improve first-year pharmacy students'' communication skills.

Design

Twelve 1-hour improvisational sessions were developed and added to an existing/established patient communication course to improve 3 basic skills: listening, observing and responding. Standardized patient examinations were used to evaluate student communication skills, and course evaluations and reflective journaling were used to evaluate students'' perceptions of the improvisational exercises.

Assessment

The improvisational exercises markedly improved the students'' performance in several aspects of standardized patient examination. Additionally, course evaluations and student comments reflected their perception that the improvisational exercises significantly improved their communication skills.

Summary

Improvisational exercises are an effective way to teach communication skills to pharmacy students.     

Pharmacy Students' Attitudes Toward a Required Public Health Course and Developing a Public Health Program

Objective

To determine pharmacy students'' attitudes towards a required public health course and developing a public health program.

Method

Two hundred ten first-year pharmacy students enrolled in a public health course at a large private pharmacy school were surveyed. A 24-item adjective rating scale and a 10-item scale were used to measure students'' attitudes towards the course and developing a public health program.

Results

Of 198 respondents, two-thirds found the course to be extremely or very appealing, of practical value, and only slightly demanding and difficult. The majority of the students indicated that establishing a public health program would be an opportunity to help the community and make a difference. Few students indicated that it would be a poor use of time or an example of busy work.

Conclusion

Pharmacy students had positive attitudes towards a required public health course and developing a public health program. Strategies to mold positive attitudes into actual behaviors of engaging in public health activities are needed.     

Impact of Hybrid Delivery of Education on Student Academic Performance and the Student Experience

Objectives

To compare student academic performance and the student experience in the first-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program between the main and newly opened satellite campuses of the University of Maryland.

Methods

Student performance indicators including graded assessments, course averages, cumulative first-year grade point average (GPA), and introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) evaluations were analyzed retrospectively. Student experience indicators were obtained via an online survey instrument and included involvement in student organizations; time-budgeting practices; and stress levels and their perceived effect on performance.

Results

Graded assessments, course averages, GPA, and IPPE evaluations were indistinguishable between campuses. Students'' time allocation was not different between campuses, except for time spent attending class and watching lecture videos. There was no difference between students'' stress levels at each campus.

Conclusions

The implementation of a satellite campus to expand pharmacy education yielded academic performance and student engagement comparable to those from traditional delivery methods.     

An Elective Psychiatric Course to Reduce Pharmacy Students�� Social Distance Toward People With Severe Mental Illness

Objective

To determine whether an elective course on mental health could reduce pharmacy students’ social distance toward people with severe mental illness.

Design

Course activities included assigned readings, class discussions, student presentations, review of video and other media for examples of social distance, presentations by patients with mental illness, and visits to hospitalized patients in a variety of psychiatric settings.

Assessment

The Social Distance Scale (SDS) was administered at the beginning and end of the semester to students enrolled in the elective and to a comparator group of students not enrolled in the course. Pharmacy students who did not complete the elective had significantly higher SDS scores than students who completed the elective (18.7 vs. 15.6, p < 0.001). Students enrolled in the course had lower precourse SDS scores, were more likely than their peers to have a personal association with mental illness, and had a decrease in precourse to postcourse scores.

Conclusion

A course designed to reduce stigma towards the mentally ill can reduce pharmacy students'' social distance.     

A Guided Abstinence Experience to Illustrate Addiction Recovery Principles

Objectives

To develop and implement an elective pharmacy course that included a guided abstinence experience to illustrate addiction recovery principles.

Design

A 1-credit elective course to illustrate addiction recovery principles was developed and implemented. The course required students to give up a habit for 6 weeks that was causing them problems, meet weekly to discuss addiction recovery processes, and relate their experiences in a journal. Course grades were determined by class participation, submitted worksheets, and submission of the journal and a paper concerning their role as a pharmacist in dealing with those with addictions and in recovery. Pre- and posttests consisting of addiction case scenarios were used to assess students'' application of course material.

Assessment

Graded course elements, pretesting and posttesting, and student course evaluations indicated that course objectives were met. Over the past 15 years, student enrollment has grown from approximately 10% of pharmacy classes to approximately 50% (average 31 students).

Conclusion

A guided abstinence experience was an effective tool for teaching pharmacy students the concepts of addiction and recovery.     

Heart of Pharmacy: A Course Exploring the Psychosocial Issues of Patient Care

Objective

To implement and assess the impact of a course utilizing reflective learning to explore the complex, psychosocial human issues encountered in pharmacy practice.

Design

A 1-credit-hour elective course, The Heart of Pharmacy, was offered to all pharmacy students. The course utilized both content and reflective techniques to produce a mutual exploratory learning experience for students, staff, and faculty members. Faculty and staff facilitators observed competencies and used a single group posttest design to assess students’ attitudes. In year four, students’ written reflections for each session were added and reviewed on a continuous basis throughout the course.

Assessment

Faculty and staff observations indicated that educational outcomes were achieved and student perceptions and evaluations of the course were highly positive. Three major themes were identified in the students’ qualitative responses: a recognition of communal support among student and faculty colleagues; a grounding for personal growth and professional formation; a deeper insight into and experience with the role of the pharmacist as compassionate listener and caregiver.

Conclusion

Faculty observations of student competencies and students’ perceptions of this course point to the need for pharmacy education to provide organized, structured reflective learning opportunities for students and faculty members to explore the deeper human issues of pharmacy practice and patient care.     

A mental health elective to improve pharmacy students' perspectives on mental illness

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a mental health elective on pharmacy students'' perceptions and stigmatizing views of mental illness.

Design

An elective was designed that featured an advanced overview of psychopharmacology; student training in motivational interviewing; a presentation by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) local chapter; introduction to pharmacy collaborations with peer support specialists, social workers, and psychiatrists; mock patient counseling sessions; and a required psychiatric patient interview at a local community mental health center.

Assessment

A survey instrument with 17 Likert-scale items was constructed to measure 2 distinct areas: social distance and stigmatizing views. The survey instrument was administered at the beginning and end of the spring 2010 semester to pharmacy students enrolled in the mental health elective course and to a control group of pharmacy students enrolled in an unrelated clinical elective. The course had a positive impact on pharmacy students'' perceptions of mental illnesses. Students'' social distance and stigmatizing views of mental illnesses improved, while no significant change in views occurred among students in the control group.

Conclusion

Advanced training in psychiatric medicine and exposure to mental health care are vital to prepare pharmacy students to provide unbiased, patient-centered care to this population.     

Electronic Reflective Student Portfolios to Demonstrate Achievement of Ability-based Outcomes During Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Objectives

To demonstrate achievement of ability-based outcomes through a structured review of electronic student portfolios in an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) program.

Design

One hundred thirty-eight students produced electronic portfolios containing select work products from APPEs, including a self-assessment reflective essay that demonstrated achievement of course manual-specified ability-based outcomes.

Assessment

Through portfolio submissions, all students demonstrated the achievement of ability-based outcomes for providing pharmaceutical care, evaluating the literature, and managing the medication use system with patient case reports most frequently submitted. The rubric review of self-reflective essays addressed student learning through APPEs and continuing professional development plans.

Conclusion

The electronic portfolio with reflective essay proved to be a useful vehicle to demonstrate achievement of ability-based outcomes.     

An Elective Course in Adult Acute Care Medicine Using a Hybrid Delivery System

Objective

To develop and assess the effectiveness of an elective course modeled after activities students encounter on internal medicine advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs).

Design

This hybrid elective course used a Web-based course management system linking pre-class lectures and assignments, classroom discussions, and projects to promote active student learning.

Assessment

Assessment of student performance was based on assignments, quizzes, and participation in classroom discussions. Students were surveyed to ascertain their opinion of the elective.

Conclusion

This elective in adult acute care medicine increased student exposure to inpatient settings and provided students additional opportunities to communicate effectively, evaluate medical literature, and think critically.     

A vidcasting project to promote the pharmacist's role in public health

Objective

To develop, implement, and assess an Internet-based vidcasting project to promote the pharmacist''s role in public health.

Design

This was a collaborative effort for 2 different courses taught at 2 different schools of pharmacy. Faculty members created a special instructional design for students to follow in planning, producing, and publishing video public service announcements on the Internet.

Assessment

Formative and summative assessments, including course examinations, a grading rubric, student survey, and focus group, were implemented to evaluate student learning and public reaction. Students believed Internet video public service announcements served as a useful reference for patients and professionals, aided in promoting disease prevention and wellness initiatives, positively impacted patient-provider relationships, and increased awareness regarding significance and financial impact of disease burden.

Conclusion

Producing a public health information video and vidcasting it on the Internet increased pharmacy students'' self-esteem, respect for peers, creative and critical-thinking abilities, and understanding of the need for and importance of pharmacists providing accurate public health information.     

Plaintiff or Defendant: Using Legal Cases to Teach Students Pharmacy Law

Objective

To demonstrate the value of students using actual legal cases during collaborative “breakout” sessions in a pharmacy law class.

Design

Students were broken into smaller groups and randomly assigned a legal case to arbitrate or defend. One week prior to the groups'' presentation, all students were given the facts of a case that was reflective of issues covered during the lecture component of the course. Formative assessments were utilized in addition to an overall breakout satisfaction survey administered at the end of the course.

Assessment

Overall, students felt the breakout sessions enhanced their learning environment and reinforced material covered during the didactic portion of the course. Students also recommended the breakout sessions for future pharmacy law courses.

Conclusion

Dividing a large pharmacy law class into 2 sections of 12 groups each and conducting mock trials resulted in increased student participation and interaction and deeper understanding of the course content.     

Active-learning strategies to develop health literacy knowledge and skills

Objective

To implement active-learning exercises in a required pharmacy course and assess their impact on students'' knowledge and confidence in identifying and communicating with patients with low health literacy, as part of a required course in cultural competency, health literacy, and health beliefs.

Design

Active-learning activities including administering health literacy assessments, identifying informal signs of low health literacy, conducting mock patient counseling sessions, rating the readability of drug information, analyzing information in drug advertisements, and writing patient education materials were incorporated into the 6-sesssion health literacy portion of the course.

Assessment

A pretest and posttest showed that students'' knowledge of health literacy increased, and a retrospective pretest found improvement in students'' confidence in their ability to care for patients with low health literacy. In-class discussions provided informal evidence that students gained new knowledge from the active-learning activities.

Conclusion

The addition of active-learning activities was effective in teaching health literacy concepts to pharmacy students.     

Development of a supervisory skills course for hospital pharmacy workplaces

Background and Objective:

Many Canadian hospital pharmacies are experiencing difficulties recruiting supervisory personnel. It was expected that, through a “learning-by-doing” course, pharmacy staff would learn to apply basic skills in the day-to-day supervision of pharmacy operations and human resources and to apply the principles of supervisory documentation.

Methods:

A supervisory skills course targeted to pharmacy staff members was developed and implemented by the pharmacy department of a large urban health region. The course was initially offered to practising pharmacy technicians. The course design emphasized a constructivist framework incorporating authentic learning and reflective practice during seminars, with experiential and self-directed learning in the workplace. Preceptors assisted learners to achieve the course goals. Learners and preceptors provided feedback about hours spent (as the course progressed) and about their satisfaction with the course itself (at the end of the course). Learners and preceptors completed a post-program evaluation 2 months after completing the course to help in the assessment of the transfer of learning (lasting impact) associated with the course. Overall performance in the course was assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Results:

Eighteen pharmacy technicians were admitted to the program, but one withdrew because of a job change. All learners successfully completed the course. Two months after the course, learners and preceptors described enhanced organization, time management, leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills on the part of learners, as well as their increased confidence, maturity, and ability to supervise staff. Learners’ evaluations revealed a broadened perspective of pharmacy. The preceptors valued the enhancement of learners’ skills and their increased enthusiasm. At the time of writing, 6 of the participants had secured supervisory positions.

Conclusion:

Creating formal instruction that engages pharmacy staff to pursue management positions is challenging. Instructional design grounded in constructivist theory and incorporating authentic learning experiences and reflection resulted in high learner satisfaction with learning outcomes.     

Health Promotion Integrated Into a Thai PharmD Curriculum to Improve Pharmacy Practice Skills

Objective

To implement and evaluate 5 integrated teaching modules in the fifth-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum to increase students'' ability to promote patients'' health as part of their pharmacy practice.

Design

Activity-based learning was added to each module: (1) a practice experience in which students provided health information and counseling to the public; (2) academic debates on current issues in pharmacy (3) journal clubs on articles from the pharmacy literature; and (4) research projects relating to ongoing faculty research on diabetes. Students on 12-week practice experiences had visits to patients in inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and either primary care units or community pharmacies.

Assessment

Practice examinations at the end of the first semester, the average student score was above 80% as determined by preceptors in experience sites and from faculty members. Group interviews found that students were positive about the benefits of integrated teaching.

Conclusion

The integration of the teaching between modules in the same semester is possible and greatly benefits student learning.     

An evidence-based medicine elective course to improve student performance in advanced pharmacy practice experiences

Objective

To implement and evaluate the impact of an elective evidence-based medicine (EBM) course on student performance during advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs).

Design

A 2-hour elective course was implemented using active-learning techniques including case studies and problem-based learning, journal club simulations, and student-driven wiki pages. The small class size (15 students) encouraged independent student learning, allowing students to serve as the instructors and guest faculty members from a variety of disciplines to facilitate discussions.

Assessment

Pre- and posttests found that students improved on 83% of the core evidence-based medicine concepts evaluated. Fifty-four APPE preceptors were surveyed to compare the performance of students who had completed the EBM course prior to starting their APPEs with students who had not. Of the 38 (70%) who responded, the majority (86.9%) agreed that students who had completed the course had stronger skills in applying evidence-based medicine to patient care than other students. The 14 students who completed the elective also were surveyed after completing their APPEs and the 11 who responded agreed the class had improved their skills and provided confidence in using the medical literature.

Conclusions

The skill set acquired from this EBM course improved students'' performance in APPEs. Evidence-based medicine and literature search skills should receive more emphasis in the pharmacy curriculum.