Incorporating pharmacy practice experiential education and community outreach in senior care into the curriculum

ORCiD

Eric Boyce: 0000-0002-5447-9016

Document Type

Poster

Conference Title/Conference Publication

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Location

Seattle, WA

Conference Dates

July 10-14, 2010

Date of Presentation

7-10-2010

Abstract

Objectives: Introduction: Faculty at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences developed a unique practice-based outreach course to enhance student geriatric care abilities. This course formally trains students in geriatric assessment-prevention of osteoporosis-falls and requires students to apply their acquired skills to community-dwelling seniors. Objectives: Project goals include: describing student's practice experience, course mapping to curricular outcomes and University strategic plans, and documenting outcomes related to student abilities, patient outcomes, and course-service assessment. Method: Methods: Outcome measures on student activities, student performance, and patient outcomes were collected. Results: Results: In 2009, 136 first and second-year students completed didactic training with summative median scores of 100% and practicum clinical skills assessment scores of 100%. From July through October 2009, 124 seniors were assisted during nine targeted northern California outreach activities. Data collected by students identified that 100% of the senior participants were at risk for osteoporosis, 94% were at risk for falls, and only 24% of those at-risk took both calcium and vitamin D supplements. Education was provided by students under faculty supervision and has improved knowledge of risk and risk-prevention strategies. At-risk patients were referred to their primary care provider for follow-up. Student evaluations were positive and revealed their ability to directly impact patient well-being. Implications: Implications: Student knowledge of geriatric care is enhanced. Screenings increase awareness of osteoporosis and fall-related risk factors in community-dwelling seniors. Patient outcomes are positively impacted by student efforts.

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