St. Francis Hospital
Tulsa, OK
Dr. Jacynthia Sterling
Goals:
All pharmacists need the skills that are learned during the Drug Information Rotation. Information on drugs is accumulating so rapidly that pharmacists must be able to access information and critically evaluate the source. In addition, the pharmacist should be able to communicate drug information verbally and in writing. The overall goals to this rotation are to develop skills in:
- locating information relevant to a drug information consult,
- evaluating the available literature with critical analysis skills, and
- communicating a comprehensive, accurate and unbiased response.
Objectives:
- The student will understand the rationale for and be able to use a systematic approach when searching through the published literature. This will be measured by means of both verbal explanation and written documentation on drug information requests taken in the DIC.
- The student will be able to identify and appropriately use tertiary, secondary, and primary resources. The student should recognize the advantages and limitations of each resource type.
- The student will be able to appropriately identify the type of request (i.e., drug interaction, dosing, kinetic, etc.), use appropriate references, and communicate responses effectively.
- The student will understand the FDA adverse reaction monitoring and reporting system and how s/he can participate in the program. The student will also be able to complete and forward an ADR report form based on patient information.
- The student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in conducting a literature search using Medline and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases and Micromedex software.
- The student will be able to synthesize written responses in an organized, complete and factually correct, and well-referenced manner via written assignments.
- The student will be able to work on a drug information project according to provided guidelines.
Evaluation:
Performance evaluation is based on observation of communication skills, understanding of written materials provided at the beginning of the rotation, projects, and evaluation of the drug information request forms completed by the student.
Please note: the performance evaluation can be reduced by one full letter grade if the students do not verify response with the Drug Information Specialist before responding to a requestor. Because the DIC Consultation forms are considered legal representation of the interaction between the requestor and the DIC, ALL forms must be fully completed in an accurate, appropriate, and readable format with complete referencing as outlined during orientation and emphasized throughout the rotation.
Sick time/interview time:
If a student is ill and cannot be at the drug information center, s/he must call and notify the Drug Information Specialist. All sick time must be made up. All interview times must be pre-approved with the rotation preceptor. No more than three (3) interview days per rotation are allowed.