Educating Pharmacy Students About Underserved Populations Using Patient Speakers and Simulation Activities.

Objective. To assess the impact of the Patient Voices series on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students.Methods. A series of patient speakers and integrated simulation activities focused on underserved populations, otherwise known as the Patient Voices series, was embedded into a pharmacy skills laboratory curriculum. First-year PharmD students' self-ratings of confidence were compared on pre- and post-course surveys. Using evaluations from first-year introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs), student self-evaluation data were compared to preceptor evaluations of student performance. Open-ended responses to course evaluations from first- and second-year PharmD students and student reflections from third-year PharmD students were assessed using conventional content analysis to identify and characterize student perceptions.Results. Significant increases were observed in first-year students' confidence to show empathy (mean, 4.2 to 4.7) and to interact with patients from underserved communities (mean, 2.2 to 4.2). Preceptor ratings of students' empathy were consistent with the students' self-rated abilities, while students' self-ratings on cultural sensitivity were higher than the preceptors' ratings. Qualitative analysis of course evaluation surveys and reflections revealed common themes identified by students, such as understanding different perspectives, increased empathy for patients, and the value of including this content in the curriculum.Conclusion. Student confidence to interact with patients from a variety of underserved populations increased following introduction of the Patient Voices series into the PharmD curriculum. Students perceived the series to be a valuable learning experience.

Factors influencing community pharmacists' enrollment in a state prescription monitoring program.

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors influencing enrollment for community pharmacists registered and not registered in Ohio's prescription monitoring program (PMP), the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS); to identify association of OARRS enrollment with demographics, availability of Internet access at work, educational background, and/or previous PMP education received; and to compare knowledge of OARRS for enrollees versus nonenrollees. DESIGN: Descriptive, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ohio in November and December 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Pharmacists licensed and living in Ohio with a valid e-mail address on file with the state board of pharmacy. INTERVENTION: Online survey developed and administered via Zoomerang. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Factors influencing enrollment for community pharmacists registered and not registered with OARRS. RESULTS: 2,511 complete responses were recorded, and 1,434 respondents indicated community pharmacy as their primary practice setting. Pharmacists not registered with OARRS noted "time available to access the OARRS report" as the top factor influencing their decision not to enroll in OARRS. Pharmacists registered with OARRS noted "being able to assist with decreasing doctor shopping" as the top factor influencing their decision to enroll in OARRS. CONCLUSION: Factors influencing enrollment as indicated by pharmacists not registered with OARRS should be the primary focus of initial efforts to increase enrollment.