Goals:
- To provide an atmosphere for students to learn to optimize treatment modalities for the developmentally disabled in residential and institutional facilities, and;
- To provide information and tools to assist students in optimizing the development, delivery and management of these services to this select population.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the rotation, the student will be able to:
- Describe the presentation of symptoms of depression in multiple patient population;
- Describe the risk/benefits of typical and atypical antipsychotic agents currently available and to be able to provide information regarding those in clinical trials;
- Describe the various categories of antidepressants and the mode of action of each class, as well as significant adverse effects, anticipated onset of effects, and special considerations for usage;
- Discuss polypharmacy versus copharmacy considerations in the developmentally disabled population;
- Develop, format, and present a lecture using handout materials and Microsoft PowerPoint™ software and;
- Discuss the involvement of pharmacists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical outcomes.
About Clinical Pharmacology Services (CPS) Selective Rotation
Clinical Pharmacology Services can accommodate ten students per year in an advanced pharmacy practice experience. Rotations are available in the months of January, February, April, August, September, and October.
These pharmacy practice experiences are designed to be fun and informative for both preceptor and student learner. Students as well as preceptors bring strengths and knowledge to each rotation. It is a collaborative effort based on the premise that skills will be enhanced for everyone involved. Each student will be assessed formatively as well as summatively. Questions in an interactive environment are encouraged in order to aid development of knowledge and skills.
While on this rotation, students assist the provision of services to developmentally challenged individuals. In addition, students are assigned a specific project involving a literature search and presentation using handout materials and Microsoft PowerPoint™ software. Students will also participate in extensive chart review for longitudinal and current medication trends and practices.
Individual Project
An oral examination will be part of the assessment for each student. A student project usually consists of:
- Specific pharmacotherapy, pharmacoeconomic, or formulary issues;
- Topics that have been scheduled on staff agendas;
- A literature search;
- A presentation of 25-30 minutes made during the final site visit to an institution and using handout materials as well as Microsoft PowerPoint™ software;
The oral examination will be part of each individual student project. A written examination will also be used as part of the assessment of each student. The written examination will be in the form of a clinical pharmacology consultation, and the form, suggested phrases, outline, and topics will be provided.
After reading patient files, students will be able to address issues germane to the developmentally disabled. All consultations will be completed during one work day in the Clinical Pharmacology Services office. Reference materials and interaction information will be available. Each consultation will be assigned several days in advance.