Jeffrey N Baldwin1. 1. College of Pharmacy, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6045, USA. jbaldwin@unmc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement an elective pharmacy course that included a guided abstinence experience to illustrate addiction recovery principles. DESIGN: A 1-credit elective course to illustrate addiction recovery principles was developed and implemented. The course required students to give up a habit for 6 weeks that was causing them problems, meet weekly to discuss addiction recovery processes, and relate their experiences in a journal. Course grades were determined by class participation, submitted worksheets, and submission of the journal and a paper concerning their role as a pharmacist in dealing with those with addictions and in recovery. Pre- and posttests consisting of addiction case scenarios were used to assess students' application of course material. ASSESSMENT: Graded course elements, pretesting and posttesting, and student course evaluations indicated that course objectives were met. Over the past 15 years, student enrollment has grown from approximately 10% of pharmacy classes to approximately 50% (average 31 students). CONCLUSION: A guided abstinence experience was an effective tool for teaching pharmacy students the concepts of addiction and recovery.
OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement an elective pharmacy course that included a guided abstinence experience to illustrate addiction recovery principles. DESIGN:A 1-credit elective course to illustrate addiction recovery principles was developed and implemented. The course required students to give up a habit for 6 weeks that was causing them problems, meet weekly to discuss addiction recovery processes, and relate their experiences in a journal. Course grades were determined by class participation, submitted worksheets, and submission of the journal and a paper concerning their role as a pharmacist in dealing with those with addictions and in recovery. Pre- and posttests consisting of addiction case scenarios were used to assess students' application of course material. ASSESSMENT: Graded course elements, pretesting and posttesting, and student course evaluations indicated that course objectives were met. Over the past 15 years, student enrollment has grown from approximately 10% of pharmacy classes to approximately 50% (average 31 students). CONCLUSION: A guided abstinence experience was an effective tool for teaching pharmacy students the concepts of addiction and recovery.
Authors: Jeffrey N Baldwin; David M Scott; Sangeeta Agrawal; Jean K Bartek; R Ellen Davis-Hall; Thomas P Reardon; Edward M DeSimone Journal: Subst Abus Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 3.716