With the increased prevalence of deaths related to prescription drug misuse, it is important that student pharmacists feel well equipped to educate the population on prescription drugs throughout their careers in pharmacy. It is also important that adolescents are aware of the dangers of prescription drug misuse.
A recent project at the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy combined these two goals and focused on preparing student pharmacists to engage with and educate the community, particularly adolescents, on prescription drug misuse. These students were a part of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) and Generation Rx initiative through Cardinal Health and The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.
The participants ranged from undergraduate pre-pharmacy students to professional pharmacy students. Each participant took a survey on his or her comfort levels of discussing and educating on the topic of drug misuse. Then, they attended a team based learning session on the topic. After the session, the students designed a Generation Rx educational program for middle school students and presented the programs to local middle schools. After a semester of presenting this topic, they completed a similar survey.
After applying their knowledge on prescription drug misuse, students were more confident in implementing education and prevention strategies in their community. Since pharmacists are in a crucial position to provide education on this topic, the confidence boost in student pharmacists will hopefully lead to them applying the education skills throughout their career.
Take Away: Student pharmacists are at a crucial position when it comes to education and prevention of prescription drug misuse. By immersing student pharmacists in education initiatives, they can become knowledgeable and confident on the topic and be a part of education and prevention throughout their career.