GAUTHAM COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY PRACTICE
INTRODUCTION
>>>> Drug information (DI) skills are essential for all pharmacists. DI skills not only involve answering specific drug therapy-related questions and drug literature evaluation, but also broader medication use policy issues such as formulary management, pharmacoeconomics, adverse event and medication error identification and reporting, and assessment and use of systematic reviews (practice guidelines, etc.). The application of DI skills, like all pharmacy skills, requires a practitioner who can communicate effectively.
>>>> The experiential drug information component of the curriculum is conducted longitudinally during the entire rotation year. Since these skills are needed in all facets of pharmacy practice, it is logical to provide the student with such experiences in all rotations and to assess the quality of the students’ DI performance within each rotation.
>>>> Each student will be responsible for their DI-related activities while on various rotations. The student is to complete DI-related projects relevant to each rotation site. Therefore, the student should work closely with the preceptor to identify the best projects. The goal is to provide "real world" DI experience.
>>>> While Drug information related activities are not collected by the school, we still anticipate that preceptors will incorporate drug information activities and responsibilities into their rotations. Additionally, we expect that preceptors will require not only some of the DI related activities listed below within their rotations, but other types of unique writing, literature evaluation, and material creation that may benefit their site and patients.
GOALS
-
Develop competency in providing drug information, evidence-based practice, and medication use policy services.
-
Understand the role and use of drug information, evidence-based practice, and medication use policy services in a variety of practice settings
-
Improve and enhance written and verbal communication skill
OBJECTIVES
-
Identify drug information questions from various practice settings
-
Respond to requests for drug information in a timely manner
-
Obtain accurate and thorough background information necessary to respond to the drug information question
-
Systematically and efficiently search appropriate drug information sources
-
Use appropriate primary, secondary and tertiary reference sources in providing answers to drug information questions
-
Critically analyze and synthesize information from tertiary, secondary, and primary sources as appropriate
-
Formulate clinically relevant drug information responses to optimize patient care and outcomes
-
Document in an understandable and accurate manner all appropriate information from drug information questions in an electronic method designed for this purpose
-
Identify adverse drug events and medication errors in various practice settings
-
Document all appropriate information from adverse drug events and medication errors in an electronic method designed for this purpose
-
Report adverse drug events and medication errors to appropriate individuals and organizations (e.g., Medwatch)
-
Evaluate primary literature, such as a randomized, controlled trial, and determine its application to clinical practice
-
Research and prepare a formulary drug monograph that would be appropriate for consideration by a Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee or other formulary management group
-
Participate in a pharmacy-related meeting associated with drug therapy issues (e.g., Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, Arizona State Board of Pharmacy) in a health care institution or setting
-
Review and evaluate an evidence-based practice guideline published (electronic and/or print) by a national or international professional organization or governmental agency
-
Effectively communicate drug information to other health professionals and/or patients verbally and in writing
-
Maintain a portfolio
-
Assure patient privacy and confidentiality in all drug information activities