A nationwide survey of pharmacy students' knowledge and perceptions regarding medical cannabis.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to compare knowledge and perceptions of medical cannabis (MC) between pharmacy students who attended schools where MC was legal and illegal. DESIGN: A nationwide anonymous survey regarding MC was distributed to pharmacy students. The survey consisted of the following sections: (1) demographics and personal factors, (2) knowledge assessment of indications and adverse effects of MC, and (3) perceptions assessment. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Equal numbers of pharmacy schools were selected and sent surveys based on geographical regions, private versus public universities, and the state's legal status of MC for first through fourth-year pharmacy students to complete. OUTCOME MEASURES: Student knowledge of MC indications and adverse effects were treated as quizzes. Median percentage correct and whether students passed the quizzes (≥ 70%) were evaluated based on the state's legal status. Students' perceptions were similarly compared. RESULTS: A total of 629 students accessed the survey. Most students who completed the survey attended pharmacy schools where MC was illegal (55%), were female (68%), and had personally tried cannabis (53%). Overall, 91% of students believed that MC should be legalized nationally. A low number of students correctly identify approved indications with 14.8% of students in states with MC legalization scoring greater than 70% compared with 15.9% of students in states without MC legalization (P = 0.748). Similar findings were seen in the side effects quiz with only 6.1% of students in states with legal MC scoring greater than 70% compared with 7.4% of students where MC is illegal (P = 0.569) There were minimal differences in students' perceptions of MC based on the states' legal status. CONCLUSION: Our study continues to highlight that pharmacy students lack knowledge and preparation to counsel and educate on MC. With increasing state legalizations, pharmacy schools need to address this knowledge gap to ensure optimal patient care.

Use of a Mindfulness Smartphone App in an Advanced Psychiatry Elective for Pharmacy Students.

BACKGROUND: There is a mental health crisis among US University students. Evidence supporting techniques to help students manage the stress are critically needed. Mindfulness meditation is one such strategy which may be helpful for pharmacy students. INNOVATION: Third-year pharmacy students enrolled in an Advanced Psychiatry elective course were invited to participate in the study. Students were given a 10-day assignment to participate in 10 free mindfulness sessions offered by the smart phone app, Headspace®. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) was completed before and after the assignment. Student qualitative feedback was also obtained after utilization of the app. FINDINGS: Seventy-six percent of students completed the mindfulness sessions daily. A small, non-statistically significant change in MAAS Total Score was observed in the students after use of the mindfulness app. The majority of students would recommend the mindfulness app to their patients, as well as 1st year pharmacy students. The students also reported that the assignment aided in their education about non-pharmacologic treatment options for depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence for the further investigation of mindfulness meditation smartphone apps in pharmacy students both as a tool to aid in managing the stress of pharmacy school and as a teaching tool.

Melatonin for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia.

OBJECTIVE: To review the available literature regarding the use of melatonin in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD). DATA SOURCES: Literature was identified through MEDLINE (1966-September 2002), PsycINFO (1967-September 2002), and references of relevant articles. Review articles, case reports/series, and animal and human studies were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Melatonin has been investigated in TD based on its antioxidant properties. Animal studies and several human case series describe an association between melatonin and TD. Two recent, controlled studies evaluated the role of melatonin in the treatment of TD. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of data evaluating the use of melatonin in TD. Both of the controlled studies evaluating its use are limited by methodologic issues. Although the most recent trial did report a statistically significant improvement in TD with melatonin, these results are not considered to be clinically significant. There are inadequate data at the present time to support the use of melatonin in patients with TD.