A PharmD program curricular approach to addressing the opioid crisis
Amy Werremeyer1, Elizabeth Skoy1, Marketa Marvanova1
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, North Dakota State University, PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108, United States.
Currents in Pharmacy Teaching & Learning
|June 20, 2019
Summary
Pharmacy schools are enhancing curricula to combat the opioid crisis. North Dakota State University School of Pharmacy
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Public Health
- Pain Management
Background:
- The United States faces a significant opioid crisis.
- The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) urged pharmacy schools to update curricula.
- This initiative aims to equip future pharmacists to address the opioid crisis effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a longitudinal, curriculum-wide strategy for pain management and opioid education at North Dakota State University School of Pharmacy (NDSU SOP).
- To enhance pharmacy students' preparedness in addressing the opioid crisis.
- To provide a model for other health professions programs.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a taskforce review of existing pain management and opioid-related content.
- Maintained all pre-existing opioid content.
- Designed and implemented six new educational activities focusing on hands-on application.
- Surveyed students on confidence in identifying opioid misuse and counseling on safe use.
Main Results:
- The vast majority of students reported high confidence in counseling patients on safe opioid use and disposal (96%).
- A high percentage of students felt confident in identifying patients at risk for opioid misuse (92%).
- Confidence in conversing with patients about opioid misuse concerns was lower (71%).
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive, longitudinal curriculum approach is effective in preparing pharmacy students to address the opioid crisis.
- The NDSU SOP model provides a valuable framework for other educational institutions.
- Continuous curriculum evaluation and enhancement are crucial for addressing public health challenges like the opioid crisis.
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