Pharmacy student self-evaluation and awareness of medication guidance for pediatrics

Abstract

The Model Core Curriculum for Pharmacy Education states that a pharmacist should respond appropriately when providing medication guidance to children, pregnant and nursing women, older adults, and other patients requiring special considerations. Unfortunately, pharmacists have limited opportunities to learn about the characteristics of care for children and specific medication support. This lack of knowledge affects the ability to relate to children and their guardians in clinical settings. A seminar course for second-year pharmacy students at the Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences included a lecture on medication guidance for pediatrics with small group discussions (SGD). The results of their self-evaluations revealed that the students knew the difference between adult and pediatric medicine administration and how to provide clear explanations. The students created posters showing the importance of informed assent and giving information children could understand, like hiragana and mazes, to improve medication adherence. The seminar was an essential opportunity for the students to gain more knowledge and develop new perspectives in pediatric counseling.