A review of suicide prevention programs and training policies for pharmacists.

OBJECTIVES: The availability of suicide prevention training programs for pharmacists is unknown and may depend on state training requirements. This study's objectives were to: 1) report state training requirements for pharmacist suicide education; and 2) describe educational resources that are available to prepare pharmacists for interactions with patients at risk of suicide. METHODS: Each state's board of pharmacy was contacted from July to November 2017 to determine whether that state required pharmacists to complete suicide prevention training. A scoping literature review completed in August 2017 identified suicide prevention resources for pharmacy professionals. A systematic search of 5 databases and Google yielded publications and online resources that were screened for full review. Two coders reviewed articles and resources that met inclusion criteria and extracted data on program format and length, intended audience (i.e., students, practicing pharmacists), learning methods, topics covered, and outcomes assessed. RESULTS: Only Washington State requires pharmacists to obtain suicide prevention training. Sixteen suicide education programs and resources targeted pharmacists, including 8 in-person courses, 6 online courses, and 2 written resources. Five resources exclusively targeted pharmacists and 2 exclusively targeted student pharmacists. Most programs included information on suicide statistics, how to identify individuals at risk of suicide, how to communicate with someone who is suicidal, and how to refer patients to treatment resources. The long-term effectiveness of the programs at improving outcomes was not reported. CONCLUSION: Although only 1 state requires pharmacists to obtain training on suicide prevention, there are several resources available to help prepare pharmacists to interact with individuals at risk of suicide.

State programs assisting pharmacy professionals with substance use disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To identify which states currently have substance use disorder (SUD) programs to facilitate the return of pharmacy professionals (including technicians, interns, and student pharmacists) to active practice, to identify the operational structures used by the states in providing these services and compare them with those reported previously, and to compile the most current and accurate contact information for each state SUD program. METHODS: Information specific to each state program was identified from Internet resources including state pharmacy associations, licensing boards, and professional associations. Each state's site was evaluated for currency within 2016-2017. Direct contact by e-mail or telephone using the program information, or association, or licensing board contacts was pursued to identify the current program status. RESULTS: Five states with no program in 1990 have since developed programs, and 2 states with programs in 1990 have closed their programs. Overall, 4 states do not currently have a program, 2 of which have never had one. One of the 2 states has recent authorization from their legislature to develop a program. Three other programs are currently in transition from 1 model to another, resulting in website inaccuracies. The operational models have undergone significant shifts with a decrease in the association (± [with or without] Foundation) model toward a group health care association or organization model including other health- or all state-licensed professionals. CONCLUSION: Currently, 46 states have programs for assisting pharmacy professionals. Information presented in this article provides the most current contact information and model structure used by states with programs. Frequent updating of program information is critical for those who might decide to seek assistance. Expansion to include a central database that enables rigorous evaluation of outcomes and specific features is viewed as desirable.

[Significance of Allowing Pharmacy Students to Attend Visits to Home Care Patients].

In 2006, with the admission of a new batch of students, pharmaceutical education became a 6-year course. This was a result of the urgent need to train a new generation of pharmacists to respond to increasingly advanced and intricate medical care as well as the specific need to coordinate with multiple occupational categories. Meanwhile, with Japan becoming an aged society, medical care has undergone functional differentiation, and home care is now being promoted. As part of an 11- week practical course for 5th-year practical training, students attended visits to home care patients from an early stage, making it possible for them to be present at multiple visits. This was highly significant because it allowed students to experience various disease states of different patients and increase their practical knowledge of pharmaceuticals. This study explores the case example of proposals made by pharmacy students for improving medication-related problems in home care patients during 5th-year practical training.

Predominant learning styles among pharmacy students at the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil

Background: Learning styles are cognitive, emotional, and physiological traits, as well as indicators of how learners perceive, interact, and respond to their learning environments. According to Honey-Mumford, learning styles are classified as active, reflexive, theoretical, and pragmatic. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the predominant learning styles among pharmacy students at the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted using the Honey-Alonso Learning Style Questionnaire. Students in the Bachelor of Pharmacy program were invited to participate in this study. The questionnaire comprised 80 randomized questions, 20 for each of the four learning styles. The maximum possible score was 20 points for each learning style, and cumulative scores indicated the predominant learning styles among the participants. Honey-Mumford (1986) proposed five preference levels for each style (very low, low, moderate, high, and very high), called a general interpretation scale, to avoid student identification with one learning style and ignoring the characteristics of the other styles. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: This study included 297 students (70% of all pharmacy students at the time) with a median age of 21 years old. Women comprised 77.1% of participants. The predominant style among pharmacy students at the Federal University of Paraná was the pragmatist, with a median of 14 (high preference). The pragmatist style prevails in people who are able to discover techniques related to their daily learning because such people are curious to discover new strategies and attempt to verify whether the strategies are efficient and valid. Because these people are direct and objective in their actions, pragmatists prefer to focus on practical issues that are validated and on problem situations. There was no statistically significant difference between genders with regard to learning styles. Conclusion: The pragmatist style is the prevailing style among pharmacy students at the Federal University of Paraná. Although students may have a learning preference that preference is not the only manner in which students can learn, neither their preference is the only manner in which students can be taught. Awareness of students’ learning styles can be used to adapt the methodology used by teachers to render the teachinglearning process effective and long lasting. The content taught to students should be presented in different manners because varying teaching methods can develop learning skills in students (AU)

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The attitudes of pharmacists, students and the general public on mHealth applications for medication adherence / Actitudes de los farmacéuticos, estudiantes y público en general sobre aplicaciones de mHEALTH para adherencia a la medicación

Background: During recent years mobile technology has developed tremendously and has infiltrated the healthcare field. Mobile healthcare (mHealth) applications, or apps, may be used to support patient adherence to medication thus promoting optimal treatment outcomes and reducing medication wastage. Objective: This study shall consider the opinions of United Kingdom (UK) based pharmacists, pharmacy undergraduates and members of the general public towards the use of mHealth apps to promote adherence to prescribed medication regimens. Methods: On Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) ethical approval, the 25 item questionnaire was distributed to UK registered pharmacists within inner city Liverpool and Manchester (n=500), pharmacy undergraduates studying at LJMU (n=420) and members of the general public within Liverpool City Centre (n=400). The questions were formatted as multiple choice, Likert scales or the open answer type. The data were analysed using simple frequencies, cross tabulations and non-parametric techniques in the SPSS v22 program. Results: The number of completed questionnaires from the pharmacist, student and general public cohorts were 245, 333 and 400; respectively. The data indicated that the general public rely heavily upon daily routine to take medication as prescribed (54.1%) with mHealth app use being extremely low (1.5%); a similar trend was noted for the pharmacist / student cohorts. The age of the individual is an important consideration, with the younger generation likely to engage with mHealth apps and the older generation less so. Here, education and training are important. Pharmacists (82.3%) would be happy to deliver training packages to the public who would in turn happily receive such training (84%). Key barriers precluding mHealth app use include data reliability, security and technical difficulties. Conclusion: Adherence apps hold great promise to support the patient and their healthcare needs. In order to increase acceptance and uptake simple, user-friendly designs must be considered and constructed. In addition, such technology requires effective promotion and end user training in order to reach its full potential. Furthermore, the regulation of mobile adherence apps will be essential in order to overcome underlying patient concerns (AU)

Antecedentes: Durante los últimos años, la tecnología móvil se ha desarrollado enormemente y se ha infiltrado en el campo de la salud. Las aplicaciones, o apps, de sanidad móvil (mHealth) pueden usarse para apoyar la adherencia del paciente a la medicación y así promover los resultados óptimos del tratamiento y reducir el desperdicio de medicamentos. Objetivo: Este estudio considerará las opiniones de los farmacéuticos, estudiantes de farmacia, y público en general del Reino Unido (UK) sobre el uso de apps de mHealth para promover la adherencia a los regímenes de medicación prescritos. Métodos: Después de aprobación ética por la Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), se distribuyó el cuestionario de 25 ítems entre los farmacéuticos registrados en las ciudades de Liverpool y Manchester (n=500), estudiantes de farmacia de la LJMU (n=420), y miembros del público en general en el centro de la ciudad de Liverpool (n=400). Las preguntas estaban formateadas en una escala Likert de selección múltiple o en respuestas abiertas. Se analizaron los datos utilizando frecuencias simples, tablas cruzadas, y pruebas no paramétricas en el programa SPSS v22. Resultados: El número de cuestionarios completados por los farmacéuticos, estudiantes de farmacia y público en general fue de 245, 333 y 400; respectivamente. Los datos indicaron que el público general confiaba fuertemente en la rutina diaria de tomar la medicación como fue prescrita (54,1%), con un uso de apps de mHealth extremamente bajo (1,5%); tendencias similares se encontraron en las cohortes de farmacéuticos / estudiantes de farmacia. La edad de los individuos es un elemento importante a considerar, con la generación más joven proclive a envolverse con apps de mHealth y una generación mayor menos proclive. Aquí, la educación y la formación son importantes. Los farmacéuticos (82,3%) estarían de a favor de proporcionar paquetes de formación al público que a cambio está de acuerdo en recibir esa formación (84%). Las principales barreras que impiden el uso de apps de mHealth incluyen la fiabilidad de los datos, la seguridad y las dificultades técnicas. Conclusión: Las apps de adherencia son una gran promesa para apoyar al paciente y sus necesidades de salud. Para aumentar la aceptación y la adopción, deben considerarse y construirse diseños simples y amigables. Además, esta tecnología requiere promoción efectiva y formación del usuario final para alcanzar su potencial completo. Por último, será esencial la regulación de las apps de adherencia para sobrepasar las preocupaciones subyacentes de los pacientes (AU)

Evaluating the impact of pharmacist health education on the perceptions of the pharmacist's role among women living in a homeless shelter / Evaluación del impacto de la educación sanitaria por el farmacéutico sobre las percepciones del papel del farmacéutico entre mujeres que viven en un refugio de personas sin hogar

Objectives: To determine the impact of pharmacist provided educational seminars on the participant’s perception of the pharmacist’s role in providing women’s health education. Secondary objectives include the participant’s level of perceived benefit from the information provided during each presentation, as well as determining characteristics of participants who are interested in attending seminars. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted within a homeless women’s shelter in Phoenix, Arizona. Pharmacists and pharmacy students provided 10 monthly educational seminars on topics related to women’s health. Participants completed a pre- and post-seminar survey regarding their perceptions of the presentations and pharmacists. Results: Fifty-six participants attended at least one of 10 seminars from January to November 2014. The average age was 46 years old, taking approximately 3 medications, and 66% completed a high school degree or lower. Prior to the presentations, 30% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they would seek advice from a pharmacist on the topic presented, which increased ignificantly to 82% of participants after the presentation (p<0.001). Similarly, 55% of participants rated themselves as agreeing or strongly agreeing with being knowledgeable on the topic presented prior to the presentation, and this increased significantly to 77% after the presentation (p=0.001). After attending the educational session, 70% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they would make changes to their health, and that they would attend an additional session. The participants noted their increased learning about the topic, the clarity of visual aids and presentation, and knowledge of the presenters as the best parts of the presentation. Conclusion: Pharmacist’s participation in providing educational seminars in the homeless women’s population increases the participant’s knowledge and perception of the pharmacist’s role within the population. Future studies can further investigate an evolving role of pharmacists in optimizing healthcare in the homeless population (AU)

Objetivos: Determinar el impacto de seminarios educativos proporcionados por farmacéuticos sobre la percepción de los participantes del papel del farmacéutico en la provisión de educación sanitaria a mujeres. Los objetivos secundarios incluyeron el nivel del participante del beneficio percibido de la información proporcionada durante cada presentación, así como las características determinantes de los participantes que estaban interesados en asistir a los seminarios. Métodos: Este es un estudio prospectivo realizado en un refugio de mujeres sin hogar en Phoenix, Arizona. Farmacéuticos y estudiantes de farmacia proporcionaron unos seminarios educativos durante 10 meses sobre asuntos relacionados con salud de la mujer. Los participantes completaron un cuestionario pre- y postseminario sobre sus percepciones de las pr4sentaciones y de los farmacéuticos. Resultados: 56 participantes asistieron al menos a uno de los 10 seminarios entre enero y noviembre de 2014. La media de edad fue de 46 años, tomando aproximadamente 3 medicamentos, y el 66% había acabado la educación secundaria o menos. Antes de las presentaciones, el 30% de los participantes concordaba o concordaba fuertemente que buscarían consejo en un farmacéutico sobre el asunto presentado, lo que aumentaba significativamente al 82% después de la presentación (p<0,001). Del mismo modo, el 55% de los participantes se calificó como de acuerdo o fuertemente de acuerdo con saber suficientemente del asunto antes de la presentación, y esto aumentó significativamente al 77% después de la presentación (p=0,001). Después de asistir a la sesión educativa, el 70 % de los participantes concordó o fuertemente concordó que harían cambios en su salud, y que asistirían a otra sesión. Los participantes señalaron su aumento de aprendizaje sobre el asunto, la claridad de las ayudas visuales y la presentación, y el conocimiento de los presentadores como las mejores partes de la presentación. Conclusión: La participación del farmacéutico proporcionando seminarios educativos a una población de mujeres sin hogar aumenta el conocimiento de las participantes y la percepción del papel del farmacéutico en esta población. Próximos estudios pueden investigar en detalle el papel en evolución del farmacéutico optimizando los cuidados de salud de la población sin hogar (AU)

Student pharmacists’ career choices: a survey of three Nigerian schools of pharmacy / Opciones de carrera de los estudiantes de farmacia: encuesta en tres escuelas de farmacia nigerianas

Background: There is little data on the preferences of pharmacy students as regards their future pharmacy job choices in Africa and this has created concerns amongst licensing bodies, employers and also the institutions they graduate from. Objectives: Career choices and factors that influence these choices of pre-registration pharmacists were assessed. Methods: Final and fourth year students from three schools of pharmacy were approached with a previously validated and employed questionnaire comprising questions on future job choices and reasons for that job choice. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: Four hundred and eighty eight students took part in the study (response rate 71.5%). Majority (78.8%) was younger than 26 years and had a work experience (68.2%). Job flexibility was significantly more important to females, while younger students considered salary most important (p<0.05). Hospital and community practice were most preferred career choices. Other demographic factors (especially gender, marital status, previous degree and previous work experience) significantly affected career choices. Conclusion: Age, gender, and previous work experience affect career choices of graduating pharmacy students. Patient-oriented practices (e.g. hospital and community) remain the most preferred careers (AU)

Antecedentes: Existen pocos datos sobre las preferencias de los estudiantes de farmacia sobre su futuro laboral en África y esto ha producido preocupación entre los organizamos acreditadores, patronos y las instituciones en las que se gradúan. Objetivos: Se evaluaron las elecciones de carrera y los factores que influencian esta selección entre los farmacéuticos pre-registro. Métodos: Se abordó a estudiantes de último y cuarto año de las tres escuelas de farmacia con un cuestionario previamente validado y utilizado que contenía preguntas sobre elección de futuro laboral y motivos de esa elección. Los datos recogidos fueron sujetos a análisis descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: Unos 488 estudiantes tomaron parte en el estudio (tasa de respuesta 71,5%). La mayoría (78,8%) era menor de 26 años y tenía experiencia laboral (68,2%). La flexibilidad laboral era significativamente más importante para las mujeres, mientras que los estudiantes más jóvenes consideraba el salario como lo más importante (p<0,05). Las opciones de carrera profesional preferidas eran hospital y comunidad. Algunos otros factores demográficos (especialmente género, estado civil, titulaciones previas, y experiencia laboral previa) afectaban significativamente las opciones de carrera. Conclusión: La edad, género, y experiencia laboral previa afectan las opciones de carrera de los estudiantes graduados en farmacia. Los ejercicios orientados al paciente (e.g. hospital y comunidad son las carreras preferidas (AU)

The inclusion of a business management module within the master of pharmacy degree: a route to asset enrichment? / Inclusión de un módulo de gestión de empresa en el grado de master en farmacia: ¿un camino hacia la mejora?

Background: Over the past decade the profession of pharmacy has steadily evolved. The New Pharmacy Contract exposed pharmacists to a fundamental change in traditional pharmacy business models. Objective: This study will consider whether community pharmacists, pharmacy undergraduates and academic staff within the United Kingdom believe it would be beneficial to incorporate a business management module within the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) undergraduate degree along with potential mechanisms of delivery. Methods: Further to ethical approval, the questionnaire was distributed to UK registered pharmacists (n=600), MPharm undergraduates (n=441) and academic staff at Liverpool John Moores University (n=44). The questions were formatted as multiple choice questions, Likert scales or the open answer type. On questionnaire completion and return, data were analysed using simple frequencies, cross tabulations and nonparametric techniques in the SPSS (v18). Results: The majority of pharmacists (84.9%) confirmed that business skills affect their everyday responsibilities to a considerable extent. A high proportion of undergraduate students (92.8%) believed that business management skills will impact on their future role. In total, 64.3% of this cohort declared that if a module were introduced they would study it. The majority of staff (79%) agreed that business skills are gaining increased importance within the field of pharmacy. Conclusions: Data suggest that business skills are of relevance to the practice of pharmacy. Appropriate staff to deliver the taught material would include business owners / lecturers and teaching practitioners covering topics including management, leadership, interpersonal skills and regulation. We suggest the inclusion of a business module with the MPharm degree would be of great value in preparing individuals for practice within a modern day healthcare setting (AU)

Antecedentes: Durante la década pasada, la profesión de farmacia ha evolucionado firmemente. El New Pharmacy Contract expuso a los farmacéuticos a un cambio en los modelos tradicionales de negocio. Objetivo: Este estudio considerará si los farmacéuticos, estudiantes de farmacia y académicos en Reino Unido se beneficiarían incorporando un módulo de gestión de empresa en el grado de Master en Farmacia (MPharm) así como los potenciales mecanismos de enseñanza. Métodos: Después de la aprobación de ética, se distribuyó el cuestionario e farmacéuticos en ejercicio en Reino Unido (n=600), estudiantes del MPharm (n=441) y personal académico de la Liverpool John Moores University (n=44). Las preguntas tenían formato de preguntas de elección múltiple, escalas de Likert o preguntas abiertas. Cuando se cumplimentaban y retornaban los cuestionarios, se analizaron los datos usando frecuencias simples, tablas cruzadas y técnicas noparamétricas con el SPSS (v18). Resultados: La mayoría de los farmacéuticos (84,9%) confirmó que las habilidades empresariales afectan sus responsabilidades diarias en grado considerable. Una proporción elevada de estudiantes (92,8%) creía que las habilidades en gestión empresarial tendrían impacto en su papel futuro. En total, el 64,3% de esta cohorte declaró que si se introdujese un módulo, lo estudiarían. La mayoría del personal académico (79%) concordó que las habilidades empresariales están ganando importancia en el campo de la farmacia. Conclusiones: Los datos sugieren que las habilidades empresariales son de relevancia en la práctica de la farmacia. El personal adecuado para proporcionar el material docente debería incluir propietarios, y profesores de prácticas que cubran los temas como gestión, liderazgo, habilidades interpersonales y legislación. Sugerimos que la inclusión de un módulo de empresa en el grado de MPharm sería de gran valor en la preparación de los individuos para el ejercicio en los establecimientos sanitarios modernos (AU)

The effects of a social media policy on pharmacy students' facebook security settings.

OBJECTIVE: To examine how students entering a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program used Facebook privacy settings before and after the college's social media policy was presented to them. METHODS: The Facebook profiles of all entering first-year pharmacy students across 4 campuses of a college of pharmacy were evaluated. Ten dichotomous variables of interest were viewed and recorded for each student's Facebook account at 3 time points: before the start of the semester, after presentation of the college's social media policy, and at the end of the semester. Data on whether a profile could be found and what portions of the profile were viewable also were collected. RESULTS: After introduction of the policy, a significant number of students increased their security settings (made information not visible to the public) related to Facebook walls, information pages, and links. CONCLUSIONS: Making pharmacy students aware of a college's social media policy had a positive impact on their behaviors regarding online security and privacy.

The PHARMINE study on the impact of the European Union directive on sectoral professions and of the Bologna declaration on pharmacy education in Europe / Estudio PHARMINE sobre el impacto de la directiva EU sobre profesiones sectoriales y de la declaración de Boloña en la educación en farmacia en Europa

The Bologna declaration and the European Union (EU) directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications influence the mobility of pharmacy students and pharmacy professionals, respectively. In addition the Bologna declaration aims at tuning higher education degrees including pharmacy throughout the EU in order to prepare for a harmonised European Higher Education Area. The directive outlines the knowledge, skills and qualifications required for the pursuit of the professional activity of a pharmacy in the EU. The PHARMINE project (Pharmacy Education in Europe, www.pharmine.org) looked at how the Bologna declaration and the directive influence modern-day pharmacy education and training in Europe (AU)

Unión Europea (UE) 2005/36/EC sobre reconocimiento de cualificaciones profesionales influencian la movilidad de los estudiantes de Farmacia y de los profesionales farmacéuticos, respectivamente. Además, la Declaración de Boloña trata de sintonizar los grados de educación superior, incluyendo el de farmacia, en toda la UE para crear un Espacio Común de Educación Superior Europeo. La Directiva señala los conocimientos, habilidades y cualificaciones requeridos para el ejercicio profesional de la farmacia en la UE. El proyecto PHARMINE (Pharmacy Education in Europe, www.pharmine.org) revise como la Declaración de Boloña y la Directiva influencian la educación y la formación modernas de la farmacia en Europa (AU)

Quality assurance in European pharmacy education and training / Aseguramiento de la calidad en la educación y formación en farmacia en Europa

A survey of quality assurance (QA) systems in European faculties of pharmacy was carried out under the auspices of the European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy PHARMINE consortium. A questionnaire based on the quality criteria of the International Pharmaceutical Federation and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (USA) was sent out to European faculties. Replies were obtained from 28 countries. Just above half has a working QA system. QA scores were high concerning matters such as complete curriculum and training, use of European Credit Transfer System, students’ representation and promotion of professional behavior. QA scores were low concerning matters such as evaluation of achievement of mission and goals, and financial resources. The PHARMINE consortium now has a basis upon which to elaborate and promote QA in European pharmacy faculties (AU)

Se realizó bajo los auspicios del consorcio PHARMINE de la Asociación Europea de Facultades de Farmacia una encuesta sobre los sistemas de aseguramiento de la calidad (QA) en las facultades de farmacia europeas. Se envió a las facultades europeas un cuestionario basado en los criterios de calidad de la Federación Internacional de Farmacia y el Consejo de Acreditación para la Educación en Farmacia (USA). Se obtuvieron respuestas de 28 países. Ligeramente más de la mitad tiene un sistema en funcionamiento de QA. Las puntuaciones de QA fueron altas en asuntos como currículo y formación completo, uso del Sistema Europeo de Transferencia de Créditos, representación de los estudiantes y promoción de la actuación profesional. Las puntuaciones de QA fueron bajas en asuntos como la evaluación de la consecución de misión y metas y recursos financieros. El consorcio PHARMINE tiene ahora una base sobre la que elaborar y promover la QA en las facultades de farmacia europeas (AU)

Alcohol attitudes and behaviors among faculty at U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy / Actitudes y comportamientos sobre el alcohol entre académicos de las escuelas y facultades de farmacia en Estados Unidos

Despite attempts to control college-aged drinking, binge and underage drinking continues at colleges and universities. Although often underutilized, faculty have the potential to influence students’ behaviors and attitudes towards drinking. Little information is available pertaining to college faculty drinking patterns, views on drinking, or their influence on college drinking. What little information is available predates the economic crisis, mandates for increased alcohol education, and the American Pharmacists Association’s call for increased alcohol awareness in pharmacists. Objectives: This study was designed to determine alcohol use patterns and viewpoints among faculty at U.S. colleges of pharmacy, in particular, to identify alcohol practices among faculty, use of alcohol with their students, mentioning alcohol in classroom as a social norm, and perceived drinking norms within their colleagues. Methods: Following Institution Review Board approval, 2809 invitations were emailed to U.S. pharmacy faculty for this survey-based study. The survey consisted of demographic questions, the World Health Organization Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and questions pertaining to personal and institution attitudes on drinking and on drinking with students. Results: More than 96% of 753 respondents had a total AUDIT score <8. Males and preceptors were more likely to have higher AUDIT scores. More than 75% of faculty reported never drinking with students. Conclusion: In order to help pharmacy students address the extent of their alcohol use and misuse, pharmacy faculty must address their own use, along with their own and their institutions attitudes and behaviors towards alcohol use (AU)

A pesar de los intentos de control de la ingesta de alcohol en las facultades, la juerga y la bebida entre menores continúa en facultades y universidades. Aunque a menudo infrautilizados, los académicos tienen la posibilidad de influenciar las actitudes y comportamientos de los estudiantes sobre la bebida. Hay poca información disponible sobre los hábitos de bebida de los académicos, visión de la bebida, o su influencia sobre la bebida en las facultades. La poca información disponible anterior a la crisis económica recomienda aumentar la educación sobre el alcohol y la Asociación de Americana de Farmacéuticos pide un aumento de la concienciación sobre el alcohol entre los farmacéuticos. Objetivos: Este estudio fue diseñado para determinar los patrones de uso de alcohol y los puntos de vista de los académicos en las facultades de farmacia de Estados Unidos, en particular, identificar las prácticas con el alcohol entre académicos, el uso de alcohol con sus estudiantes, menciones al alcohol en clases como hábito social, y hábitos percibidos sobre el alcohol con sus colegas. Métodos: Después de la aprobación del Comité de Investigación de la Institución, se enviaron por correo 2809 invitaciones a académicos de farmacia de Estados Unidos para esta encuesta. El cuestionario comprendía preguntas demográficas, el World Health Organization Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) y preguntas relativas a actitudes personales y de la institución sobre el beber y el beber con estudiantes. Resultados: Más del 96% de los 753 respondentes tenían una puntuación total en el AUDIT de <8. Los hombres y los preceptores tenían puntuaciones AUDIT mayores. Más del 75% de los académicos reportaron no beber nunca con estudiantes. Conclusión: Para ayudar a los estudiantes de farmacia a afrontar el extendido uso y abuso del alcohol, los académicos de farmacia deben afrontar su propio uso, así como sus actitudes y comportamientos y las de sus instituciones sobre el consumo de alcohol (AU)

Incorporating online teaching in an introductory pharmaceutical practice course: a study of student perceptions within an Australian University / Incorporando la enseñanza on-line en un curso introductorio de farmacia práctica: estudio de percepciones de los estudiantes en una universidad australiana

Objectives: To examine student perceptions regarding online lectures and quizzes undertaken during a pharmaceutical practice course for first year undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy course at an Australian University. Methods: The University uses a standard instrument to collect feedback from students regarding unit satisfaction. Data were collected for three different teaching modalities: traditional faceto- face, online and partially online. Results: Descriptive statistics support that, from a student's perspective, partial online delivery is the preferred teaching methodology for an introductory pharmaceutical practice unit. Conclusion: This study has served to highlight that while there are a few points of significant difference between traditional and online teaching and learning, a combination of the two provides a reasonable avenue for teaching exploration. This result has implications for teaching practice generally, and within the pharmacy discipline, specifically (AU)

Objetivos. Examinar las percepciones de los estudiantes en relación a las clases y exámenes online realizados durante un curso de farmacia práctica para pre-graduados de primer año cursando la licenciatura en farmacia en una Universidad Australiana. Métodos: La Universidad utiliza un instrumento estándar para recoger la retroalimentación de los estudiantes sobre la asignatura. Se recogieron los datos de tres diferentes modalidades de enseñanza: tradicional presencial, on-line, y parcialmente online. Resultados: La estadística descriptiva apoyó que, desde el punto de vista del estudiante, el método de enseñanza preferido para un curso introductorio de farmacia práctica es parcialmente on-line. Conclusión: Este estudio sirvió para subrayar que, mientras que existen algunos puntos significativamente diferentes entre la enseñanza y el aprendizaje tradicionales y on-line, una combinación de los dos proporciona una situación razonable para la exploración docente. Este resultado tiene implicaciones para la enseñanza en general y para la disciplina de farmacia específicamente (AU)

Liability and litigation risks for colleges and schools of pharmacy.

The potential for legal liability involving faculty members and students in higher education settings is a topic that warrants serious attention by administrators. Specific areas identified as high risk include dismissal of a faculty member, denial of tenure, misappropriation of grant-funding, intellectual property conflicts, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) issues, sexual harassment, student suspension, disabilities, and student privacy issues. Examples of litigation in the higher-education setting are presented, along with a list of online resources for additional information. It is important for higher education administrators, faculty members, staff members, and students to recognize the currently accepted legal rights and responsibilities associated with these high-risk areas.

Can professionalism be measured?: evidence from the pharmacy literature / ¿Puede medirse la profesionalidad?: evidencia de la literatura farmacéutica

The need to ensure the future pharmacy workforce demonstrates professionalism has become important to both pharmacy educators and professional bodies. Objective: To determine the extent to which Schools of Pharmacy have taught or measured student professionalism. Methods: Review of the healthcare literature on teaching of professionalism at an undergraduate level. Results: Two-hundred and thirty one papers were retrieved but only 45 papers related specifically to pharmacy. Of these a further 25 were narrative in nature and did not report any findings. Nineteen papers were reviewed (one was excluded as it reported the same data). Papers could be broadly categorised in to those that have tried to create a tool to measure professionalism, those that are in effect pedagogical evaluations of new initiatives or longitudinal studies on student perceptions toward aspects of professionalism. Conclusion: A growing body of literature exists on pharmacy and professionalism. However, to date, very few Schools of Pharmacy appear to formally teach it let alone assess students' acquisition of professionalism (AU)

La necesidad de asegurar el futuro de los trabajadores de la farmacia demuestra que la profesionalidad se ha convertido en importante tanto para educadores de farmacia como para entidades profesionales. Objetivo: Determinar el grado en que las Facultades de Farmacia han enseñado o medido la profesionalidad de los estudiantes. Métodos: Revisión de la literatura sanitaria sobre enseñanza de profesionalidad a nivel de pregrado. Resultados: Se encontraron 230 artículos pero sólo 44 trataban específicamente de farmacia. De estos, 25 eran narrativos por naturaleza y no comunicaban ningún resultado. Se revisaron 18 artículos (uno fue excluido porque comunicaba los mismos datos). Podría clasificarse los artículos en los que habían intentado crear un instrumento para medir la profesionalidad, los que son realmente evaluaciones pedagógicas de nuevas iniciativas y los de estudios longitudinales sobre las percepciones de los estudiantes hacia aspectos de la profesionalidad. Conclusión: Existe un cuerpo de publicaciones creciente sobre farmacia y profesionalidad. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha muy pocas Facultades de Farmacia parecen enseñarla formalmente y dejan que los alumnos evalúen su adquisición de profesionalidad (AU)

Legal and ethical issues regarding social media and pharmacy education.

Widespread use of social media applications like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter has introduced new complexities to the legal and ethical environment of higher education. Social communications have traditionally been considered private; however, now that much of this information is published online to the public, more insight is available to students' attitudes, opinions, and character. Pharmacy educators and administrators may struggle with the myriad of ethical and legal issues pertaining to social media communications and relationships with and among students. This article seeks to clarify some of these issues with a review of the legal facets and pertinent court cases related to social media. In addition, 5 core ethical issues are identified and discussed. The article concludes with recommendations for pharmacy educators with regard to preparing for and addressing potential legal issues pertaining to social media.

Arkansas community pharmacists' opinions on providing immunizations.

OBJECTIVES: To determine community pharmacists' attitudes and knowledge on providing immunizations including perceived barriers to immunizing. The study also examined the percentage of Arkansas pharmacists providing immunizations and the utilization of student pharmacists. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Arkansas community pharmacies from February to March 2009. PARTICIPANTS: Community pharmacists. INTERVENTION: Mailed survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perceived barriers to providing immunizations, pharmacists' attitudes regarding immunizations, number of immunization-certified pharmacists, immunization administration rates within the last year, and senior student pharmacists utilization. RESULTS: A total of 350 surveys were mailed, and 129 were returned. In all, 79% of the respondents believed administering immunizations has advanced or significantly advanced the profession. Being certified and attitude toward providing immunizations were correlated; 37% of the respondents held certification to immunize, of which 77% reported immunizing within the last year. Commonly reported barriers included time (76%) followed by reimbursement and legal liability. Only half the respondents realized fourth year student pharmacists could immunize and only 33% of certified pharmacists utilized student pharmacists to immunize. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists perceive many barriers to providing immunizations. Training student pharmacists to give immunizations may not result in them providing immunizations upon graduation. Additional education on overcoming potential barriers and using senior student pharmacists to administer immunizations is needed.