Descriptive Evaluation of a New Critical Care Elective Course

Assistant Professor Aaron M. Cook Pharm.D.
Assistant Professor Jeremy Flynn Pharm.D.
Associate Professor Frank Romanelli Pharm.D. amd B.C.P.S.

pages: 37 - 47

• DOI: 10.1300/J060v13n01_05
• Version of record first published: 16Oct2006

PDF

Abstract:

The objective of this manuscript is to describe an experience with a critical care elective course for third professional year pharmacy students. Fifteen students were enrolled in the course. The class was provided with pre-session readings and met once weekly to debate and discuss the pharmacologic and pharmacotherapeutic implications of common therapies utilized in the critically ill. Students were given a course evaluation at the end of the semester. The evaluation asked the students their opinion of the pre-session readings, their perception of the course as part of the core pharmacy curriculum, and how the course affected their future career plans. The students valued the opportunity to read and discuss primary literature and complex topics. Their experience may have motivated some to consider additional experiences in critical care. The course provided a more focused experience for students interested in the area of critical care pharmacy practice than they might have otherwise received from the core pharmacy curriculum.