Woelfel JA, Boyce E, Patel RA. Geriatric care as an introductory pharmacy practice experience.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2011;
75:115. [PMID:
21931453 PMCID:
PMC3175681 DOI:
10.5688/ajpe756115]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe the design, delivery, and impact of a geriatric introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) to develop students' skills related to consultant pharmacists' roles and patient care responsibilities.
DESIGN
A required 2-unit geriatric IPPE, involving 40 hours in a geriatric-care facility, 5 reflection hours, and 12 classroom-discussion hours, was developed for first- and second-year pharmacy students. Students interviewed patients and caregivers, reviewed patient charts, triaged patient needs, prepared care plans, and performed quality-assurance functions.
ASSESSMENT
After completing the IPPE, students' geriatric- and patient-care abilities were enhanced, based on review of their interactions, care plans, reflections, and examinations, and they demonstrated cognitive, affective, and psychomotor-domain learning skills. Students' care plans and quality assurance activities revealed positive patient outcomes, opportunities for measurable patient health improvement, and a positive impact on quality assurance activities. Student evaluations and feedback from health workers at the facilities also were positive.
CONCLUSIONS
This geriatric IPPE in which students cared for a specific patient and interacted with other health care providers is an innovative approach to enhancing students' abilities to serve the growing geriatric population.
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