Introduction to surgical and perioperative clinical pharmacy for third-year pharmacy students: A pilot study of an elective course
The objective of this study was to implement and assess an elective course that exposes pharmacy students to clinical pharmacy in the surgical and perioperative setting.A blended-design elective that included synchronous and asynchronous learning was developed and offered to third-year pharmacy students. Students' knowledge and perception regarding clinical topics in perioperative pharmacy was assessed using pre- and post-course assessments, online quizzes, a journal club, and course assignments. Knowledge of pharmacy operations was assessed using course assignments and reflective journal entries.Pre- and post-course assessment improvement was seen in the categories of perioperative optimization of pharmacotherapy (29.1-70.1%, p=0.006), common surgical complications (45.8-91.7%, p = 0.001), and anesthetic agents (25-71.9%, p <0.001). Overall, the course was successful in increasing clinical pharmacy knowledge and was well received by students. Course evaluations were completed by 100% of students, and all rated the course as "excellent." Students demonstrated mastery of course content, though the course may not have provided optimal exposure to operating room/post-anesthesia care unit operations.Students agreed that the course was valuable and helped them develop new skills otherwise not developed by the curriculum; this conclusion was supported by objective assessment data. A team-teaching model allowed for minimal resources to operate the course. Moving forward, an early lecture addressing perioperative operations may supplement an area the course was lacking. Additionally, a longer duration of operating room shadowing may provide requested opportunities for observation of direct patient care.