Barriers to role expansion for pharmacists working in institutional settings are discussed, such as competency, interdisciplinary responsibilities, and financial reimbursement. Underlying principles that may be applied to overcome the traditional barriers to pharmacist intervention in drug use problems are examined. (SF)

Provides a brief survey of informatics, defined as the application of information technology to various fields, with respect to its historical background, disciplinary identity, fundamental aspects, applications, and challenges. Highlights include biological, clinical, dental, environmental, geomatics, health, legal, management, medical, museum,…

A study to determine if there are any relationships between the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory personality preferences and academic performance in schools of pharmacy is discussed. Differences in academic performance that could be related to gender are reported. (Author/MLW)

Data and statistics, gathered by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, on the degrees conferred by U.S. pharmacy schools are presented. Data on entry level degrees, post-baccalaureate PharmD, graduate degrees, gender, and ethnic minorities are analyzed. (Author/MLW)

An instructional design approach was used to develop four computer modules and test the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction versus traditional lecture presentation in a pharmacy nonprescription drug course. The results indicate that computer-assisted instruction is effective. A computer evaluation form is appended. (Author/MLW)

The president of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy outlines the association's position on national policy concerning health care reform, then looks at some related controversial issues, including changes in the dispensing of prescriptions, pharmacist-managed medication review, adequacy of pharmacy training, and the role of research.…

Key shortcomings in current mainstream strategies of pharmaceutical education include (1) poor integration of basic sciences and clinical curriculum components; (2) curricular information overload and resulting problems; and (3) emphasis on research over teaching and service. Students need to learn teamwork, accountability, positive practice…

A survey of 50 doctoral programs in pharmacy investigated contractual arrangements between pharmacy colleges and clerkship sites, program characteristics, fee structures, rotations available, required/elective status, types of nonmonetary support provided to clerkship sites, and recruitment strategies. Results are presented in tabular and narrated…

Aiming at identifying the relationship between the elderly patient facing drug prescription and health professionals, an exploratory and descriptive study of a qualitative cut was carried out using semi-structured interviews. To this end, the Collective Subject Discourse analysis technique was employed. Thirty elderly patients living in the urban…

Current challenges to the nursing profession are examined, including changing health needs, health care providers and the cost and quality of their services, the recruitment, retention, and regulation of nurses, and competition. Implications for nursing and parallels with pharmacy are discussed. (MSE)

The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy's system for evaluation of its externship program is discussed. A list of behavioral objectives was constructed, and a pre- and post-evaluation concept was developed as a control at each site. Externs were grouped by academic factors, work experience, and career plans. (Author/MLW)

A psychiatric day treatment clerkship for undergraduate pharmacy students at the University of Connecticut is described. Students participate in client interviewing, medication history taking, client medication counseling, medication counseling, medication clinic, medication group, and health care group. Evaluation of performance is based on both…

At the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, library skills needed by graduating pharmacists have been defined and incorporated into an orientation course, a pharmaceutics course and a pharmacognosy course. Each is described briefly and an evaluation of the program is included. (JMD)

A study of 1290 students in four New England colleges of pharmacy has demonstrated that the preferred practice (or nonpractice) setting of students is influenced by the college of pharmacy attended, year in school, grade point average, sex, and the nature and extent of internship and externship experience. (Author)

Three essential elements in resolving conflicts between segments of pharmacy are identified: motivation of individuals within the administrative structure of pharmacy schools especially, but also throughout the profession; faculty members and service staff who effect the change; and financial resources to effect change. (MSE)