抄録
Japan has many pharmacists who are professionally active in the clinical field, pharmaceutical companies, scientific research and government agencies. The public however, knows little about their work. To remedy this situation pharmacists need to publicize their activities, especially to those outside the world of medicine. Although pharmacists need to be able to gather and disseminate information on pharmaceuticals, there are few courses offering skills in communication or presentation at the institutes where they are educated. Particularly among young people, better information on drugs and health is essential in order to prevent adverse effects of drugs and drugs abuse, which might also lead to an overall savings in healthcare costs.
We designed a drug information program for high-school students in which a pharmacy student gave lectures on drug usage, food and health, smoking, drug abuse, menstruation and the low-dose birth control pill. The high-school students, many of whom were found to have deficient knowledge of drug use and health care, wanted more accurate information about drugs and health and were very enthusiastic about the lectures. At the same time it was an educational experience for the pharmacy student to give lectures on healthcare to school-age students. It is hoped that this program will contribute to a more positive public perception of the profession of pharmacists.
