Present status of gastrostomy education for pharmacists and pharmacy students by certified gastrostomy instructors and its problems

Abstract

As a certified gastrostomy instructor, the author carried out a terminology survey concerning the viscosity and food intake/swallowing and educational activities in pharmacists, pharmacy students and pharmacy clerks. Interviews of students revealed extreme lack of knowledge about gastrostomy. In the practical training classes, the author organized experience learning about thickened water and morphological changes in enteral feeding products using thickening agents. The students who attended favorably evaluated the lectures and practical training. Educational activity of certified gastrostomy instructors is important not only for teaching pharmacists and pharmacy students correct gastrostomy preparation and management and nutritional therapy but also for their social ethics education.