A curriculum development simulation in a graduate program.

OBJECTIVE: To implement and evaluate a curriculum development seminar in which graduate students experienced circumstances that occur when faculty members develop and attempt to secure colleague approval for a curriculum. DESIGN: Learning activities for the graduate seminar included classroom lectures, active learning, and a group project in which simulated faculty committees created new curriculums for the pharmacy practice department's 3 research areas. ASSESSMENT: Responses on pre- and post-seminar surveys indicated that graduate students' self-confidence in their ability to conduct key curriculum development activities increased (p < 0.05). In a post-seminar focus group, graduate students stated that they valued participating in the faculty simulation, learning about curriculum development and research programs other than their own, and collaborating with their peers. CONCLUSION: A curriculum development faculty simulation was an effective tool for preparing graduate students for curriculum development responsibilities and generated valuable documents that the department could use in the revision of the 3 pharmacy practice graduate school curricula.

Factors affecting prepharmacy students' perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prepharmacy students' perceptions of the professional role of pharmacists prior to enrollment in pharmacy school, and the association between perceptions and student demographics. METHODS: A 58-question survey instrument regarding pharmacists' roles, work experiences, and demographics was developed and administered to students (N = 127) enrolled in an organic chemistry laboratory experience at Purdue University. RESULTS: Theory of planned behavior subscales (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control) were influenced by students' grade point average, gender, and application to pharmacy school, while unpaid work experience affected professional commitment. Students evaluated work experience related to their pharmacy studies more positively than non-pharmacy-related areas in the theory of planned behavior subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating students' perceptions may be beneficial in helping pharmacy educators design their curricula, as well as allowing admissions committees to select the most qualified students to promote the development of positive perceptions toward the professional role of pharmacists. Grade point average (GPA) and application to pharmacy school were associated with significant differences for the theory of planned behavior and professional commitment subscales.

The effect of shared medical visits on knowledge and self-care in patients with heart failure: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with heart failure need education and support to improve knowledge and self-care. Shared medical groups that provide education and support have been successful in other patient populations. This study compares an advanced practice nurse-led shared medical appointment intervention in the office setting with standard care relative to self-care and knowledge among community-living adults with heart failure. METHODS: Participants were randomized to shared appointment and standard care groups, and completed the Heart Failure Knowledge Test and Self-Care Heart Failure Index at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: From baseline to 8 weeks, Heart Failure Knowledge Test scores improved more for the intervention group than the control group (F time X group = 4.90, df = 1.21; P = .038). There was no difference in groups' rates of change on the total Self-Care Heart Failure Index. CONCLUSION: The findings reveal improved knowledge when education and support are provided in a shared medical appointment setting. The shared medical visit model may be feasible as a way to provide patients with heart failure and their families with ongoing education and a supportive environment.

Community pharmacist-child medication communication: magnitude, influences, and content.

OBJECTIVE: To describe community pharmacist-child medication communication with respect to its magnitude, influences, and content. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: Indiana. PARTICIPANTS: 460 community pharmacists. INTERVENTION: Mailed questionnaire was used for data collection. Sections included: (1) pharmacists' practice of medication communication with children and with adults; (2) factors influencing the pharmacist's decision to communicate with children about medications; (3) elements of pharmacist-parent and pharmacist-child communication; and (4) demographics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Daily percentage of children to whom pharmacists talked directly about medications. RESULTS: Response rate was 44.7% with no indications of nonresponse bias. Most respondents were staff pharmacists in chain pharmacies. On average, pharmacists reported engaging in communications about medications with 20.7% of children and 57.0% of adults on a daily basis (t = 23.5, P < or = .0001). Experience as a preceptor and prescription volume significantly influenced the frequency of pharmacists' communication with either adults or children. Pharmacists provided more medication information to parents than to their children, and more medication information to older children than to younger children. Children of all ages were likely to be comforted and given information about the medicine's taste. CONCLUSION: Preliminary insights into the interaction between pharmacists and child patients are provided by this study. Considering the relatively low frequency of pharmacist-child communication, interventions aimed at influencing the child's and caregiver's motivation to seek information about the child's care, and improving pharmacist's knowledge about children's cognitive development at various ages may enhance the involvement of children in self-treatment.

New OTC drugs and devices 2003: a selective review.

OBJECTIVES: To present current information about trends development and marketing of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and dietary supplement products and describe new products, delivery systems, home monitoring devices, and home accessories in these markets that are likely generating questions from or posing potential problems for patients. DATA SOURCES: Recently published clinical and pharmaceutical industry literature. STUDY SELECTION: By the authors. DATA EXTRACTION: By the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: Last year witnessed the first effort of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove a dietary supplement from the U.S. market. Ephedra, because of its imminent danger when used for weight reduction and athletic enhancement, was the target of FDA action. FDA has issued a final rule implementing this ban, which prohibits the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (e.g., ephedra). Two newer diet-aid products are being actively promoted with little or no safety and effectiveness data. Thus, pharmacist's vigilance is important along with sensible advice on how to lose weight safely and effectively. Further, two independent organizations have created certification programs for dietary supplements that ensure product purity, active ingredient strength, and compliance with good manufacturing practices. In addition, through recent changes in federal legislation, consumers are now able to obtain reimbursement for their nonprescription purchases through flexible spending accounts. Information is presented in this article about selected products in these OTC, home care, and dietary supplement categories: heartburn (proton pump inhibitors), allergy (second-generation antihistamines), constipation (laxatives), diabetes mellitus (blood glucose monitoring systems), home testing (fertility monitoring), nicotine addiction (smoking cessation products), otic disorders (ear syringes), contraceptives and sexual aids (condoms and lubricants), and dermatology (wart removal). CONCLUSION: Patients continue to increase their reliance on self-care. To assist them, pharmacists must remain up-to-date on trends and have an understanding of the nuances of consumers' behavior and thinking in relation to OTC products and their use.

New OTC drugs and devices 2002: a selective review.

OBJECTIVES: To create a heightened awareness of two consumer issues confronting pharmacists in the self-care arena--consumers' need for accurate information about over-the-counter (OTC) products and consumers' attitudes and beliefs about OTC drugs--and to educate pharmacists about newly introduced nonprescription products, home screening devices, and home accessories. DATA SOURCES: Recently published clinical and pharmaceutical industry literature and survey results from the National Council on Patient Information and Education. DATA SYNTHESIS: Although changes have been made to labeling for OTC products to heighten consumers' awareness of the dangers associated with misuse of these products, consumers need the expertise of the pharmacist to guide them toward effective and safe self-care. It remains critical that pharmacists be knowledgeable about the numerous nonprescription products that become available on the U.S. market each year and take the initiative to counsel patients appropriately on the benefits and risks associated with their use. CONCLUSION: Patients will continue to place an increasing emphasis on self-care. To assist them, pharmacists must remain up-to-date on trends and have an understanding of the nuances of consumers' behavior and thinking in relation to OTC products and their use. The new nonprescription medications and diagnostic screening devices discussed in this review article represent valuable additions to the growing array of self-care products.

New OTC drugs and devices 2001: a selective review.

OBJECTIVES: To create a heightened awareness of two important issues that arose over the past year with respect to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs-the possible switching of nonsedating second-generation antihistamines to OTC status and the continuing need for pharmacists to learn about dietary supplements and herbal products-and to educate pharmacists about newly introduced nonprescription products, devices, and diagnostic products. DATA SOURCES: Recently published clinical and pharmaceutical industry literature. DATA SYNTHESIS: In a historical precedent, a third party insurer rather than a pharmaceutical company is attempting to force the switching of several prescription nonsedating antihistamines to OTC status. In addition, several developments related to the manufacture and use of dietary supplements have created concern for consumers and the pharmacists who advise them. It is critical for pharmacists to become knowledgeable about dietary supplements so they can appropriately counsel patients on the benefits and risks associated with supplement selection and use. In addition, numerous nonprescription products, including home diagnostic products and accessories, will continue to become available on the U.S. market. It is important that pharmacists become as knowledgeable as possible about these and be capable of educating the consuming public about their appropriate use. CONCLUSION: Patients will continue to place an increasing emphasis on self-care. To assist them, pharmacists must remain up-to-date on trends and have a balanced understanding of new nonprescription products and dietary supplements. The new nonprescription medications and diagnostic products discussed in this review article represent valuable additions to the growing array of self-care products.