Pharmaceutical continuing-education program based on a core curriculum

The use of a core curriculum concept in the establishment of a comprehensive continuing-education program is described. A departmental staff development committee was selected to develop a core curriculum of topics for professional continuing education. Six core curriculum areas of interest and importance were identified: cardiology; infectious disease; total parenteral nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolytes; pharmacy management; critical-care medicine; and pharmacokinetics. Coordinators were selected from the staff to identify topics and speakers in each core curriculum area. The drug information center was assigned responsibility for logistical aspects of the program such as scheduling, evaluations, objectives, information support, and providing continuing-education credit. A survey of staff perceptions revealed a very positive view of the program. The staff rated the program highly as meeting their needs for continuing-education credit, as an employee benefit, and in covering topics related to their practice. The core curriculum concept has been shown to be a successful and effective approach to the establishment of a comprehensive continuing-education program.