An increasing number of students are taking medications while they are in school or are under the influence of medication during school hours. In a novel effort, clinical pharmacists and mental health therapists worked together to provide "mini-in-service" educational programs on psychological disorders and medications used to treat these disorders. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of these educational programs presented to school nurses, teachers, school administrators, and other personnel. The study compared participant responses before and after attending a medication in-service session on a psychological disorder and its related medications. Results indicated that in-service education on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression improved the knowledge and confidence levels of school personnel regarding medications and symptoms. Feedback indicated school personnel wanted longer educational sessions and more information on these disorders and treatments. School nurses working with health professionals can improve education for staff, families, and students about mental health disorders and their treatment.
complicationssuch as renal bone disease encouragesthe reader to fully explore the nuances of these conditions and their drug therapy. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysisare nicelypresented for individuals unfamiliar with the actual mechanicsof these procedures.The chapters on dietarymanagement, palliative care, and traveling for the renalpatient help enlighten the pharmacy practitioner in areas not usuallycovered in generaltherapeutic texts. Limitations: The book utilizes SI units. It does not give the conventional units. As such, serum creatinineis reportedthroughoutthe text in micromoles per liter rather than in milligrams per deciliter. Important equations in the evaluation of renal patients, such as the Cockcroft-Gault,are likewiseformulated in micromoles per liter.This may be confusing to the very audiencefor which the book is intended-individuals not well versed in the field.Includingconventional as well as SI units in forthcoming editionswouldbe of benefit. Some drug therapies or formulations discussedare not available in the US. Guidelinesfor managementof the variousrenal complications such as renal anemiaare based on the Europeanguidelines. These differences may confusea new clinicianor student. The chapter on hypertension is a general discussion not targeted specifically to the renal patient.The chapterentitled"Drug-Induced Kidney Disease" is only 6 pages long and contains only 4 references; this is terse coverage in a text aimed at pharmacy practitioners. A couple of other chapters are also weakly referenced. A chapter dedicated to the psychological issues and their management in renal patients would be usefulfor futureeditions. Reviewer's Summary: This book will be of valueto anyoneinterested in expandinghis or her knowledgeabout drug therapyfor the renally impaired patient. Individualsroutinely using conventionalunits should be prepared to convert various laboratory test results from the SI units. Europeanor United Kingdom guidelinesfor managementof renallyrelated problemsare used and may differfrom those used in the US.
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