Pharmacists as instructors of health education in community colleges

The public is demanding quality information on the appropriate use of medicinal agents. The pharmacist is a potential source of this information; however, lack of time and appropriate environment often limit this interaction. An educational model has been developed, used, and evaluated in order to increase public knowledge on nonprescription medications, increase pharmacist professional visibility in the community, and provide a practical means of creating this interaction. Using the setting of four California community colleges, consumer education courses were developed during 1972 to 1977. Instructional syllabi, written and audiovisual materials, and evaluations were developed at these colleges by five pharmacists. The courses were presented in an aggregate of 17 semesters to 514 enrollees. Results from objective examination on presented topics showed a mean score increase from 18 to 82% among 62 enrollees. Subjectively, participant response was enthusiastic, with frequent reports of daily usefulness and increased awareness of the pharmacist as a health information resource person. The described model has proven to be an effective means of providing lay persons access to important health care information, while providing pharmacists with an effective means of meeting professional responsibilities, increasing professional visibility in the community, and gaining professional satisfaction.