Electronic Health Records in Pharmacy Skills-based Curricula

Electronic health records (EHRs) are integral to contemporary pharmacy practice. The use of EHRs and associated skill development in curricula across pharmacy education is variable. Skills-based courses in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum are ideal areas to develop these competencies' and integrate EHR use and skills with the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process. Consideration should be given by each school and college of pharmacy for having an EHR curriculum embedded within skills-based courses to prepare students for advanced pharmacy practice experiences as well as professional practice after graduation. A consensus on what skills or competencies should be consistently included in pharmacy curricula should be developed across pharmacy education to increase consistency in the delivery of EHR skills education and assessment. Emphasis on EHR skills and incorporation of them into national pharmacy education standards would help further guide development and assessment, as well as ensure new pharmacists are on the cutting edge of patient care and technology.