An interprofessional clinical toxicology advanced pharmacy practice experience

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Clinical Toxicology
• Poison Control

Background:

• Clinical toxicology integrates science, research, and patient care for human poisonings.
• Exposure to natural and synthetic toxins necessitates specialized knowledge.
• The California Poison Control System (CPCS) provides a critical setting for toxicological expertise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the components of an elective advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in clinical toxicology.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the APPE in preparing student pharmacists for toxicology practice.
• To highlight the role of pharmacists in poison control and management.

Main Methods:

• The APPE incorporated case management, educational exercises, and self-study modules.
• Active learning included high-fidelity simulation scenarios and an antidote tasting session.
• Student pharmacists participated in case presentations and consultations.

Main Results:

• 82 student pharmacists completed the APPE between April 2012 and October 2017.
• Post-simulation surveys showed a significant increase in student belief in the pharmacist's role in diagnosis and management (60% to 78.8%).
• Student evaluations of preceptors and the learning experience averaged over 4.5/5, with positive feedback on collaboration.

Conclusions:

• An APPE in clinical toxicology at CPCS was successfully designed and implemented.
• The program fostered an interprofessional, collaborative learning environment.
• The APPE effectively prepared student pharmacists to understand the pharmacist's role in clinical toxicology.