Drug information course for pharmacy staff development

An interactive course in drug information skills developed for pharmacists at a not-for-profit, tertiary-care hospital is described. Faculty members from the area school of pharmacy developed, taught, and evaluated the program. Before the course was developed, pharmacy staff members were asked to rate their drug information skills; the pharmacists' responses indicated their belief that they were not proficient enough in the skills needed in daily practice. The course content and format were refined after 11 pharmacists completed a pilot program. A handbook was developed that contained objectives, session outlines, and literature for each of the six topics chosen for the course. Although the handbook was the primary teaching aid, wall charts and computer demonstrations were also used. Sessions were structured for the needs of adult students by using a small-group discussion format that emphasized the practical relevance of the information and encouraged participants to share personal experiences. Each session was offered on two separate days to facilitate attendance. Those who completed the course received credit for 12 contact hours of continuing education. Of 16 pharmacists enrolled in the course, 11 completed it. An interactive course in drug information skills, developed to meet the needs of hospital pharmacists, was well accepted because it incorporated personal experiences, small-group activities, and flexible scheduling.