Evaluation of pediatric electives and core pediatric topics offered at United States schools and colleges of pharmacy

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric patients are an important population in every community, and providing patient-centered care to this population relies on fundamental knowledge of pediatric care.Objectives: To describe the availability of pediatric electives and depth of pediatric topics taught throughout the curricula offered at Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs in the United States.Methods: This was a quantitative/qualitative survey study assessment. A 21-question survey was created, reviewed, and pilot-tested prior to full distribution.The electronic survey was administered and distributed via email to relevant faculty at 145 identified Pharm.D. programs. Results:The survey achieved a 65% response rate with 69.2% of responding programs reported offering at least one pediatric elective. Pharmacy schools that responded represented all areas of the United States. The majority, 57.5% (n = 54), of responding programs employed at least one full-time pediatric faculty member, and 14.9% (n = 2) had two pediatric faculty members.The most common topics taught in pharmacy curricula without a pediatric elective (>80%) were cystic fibrosis, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, immunizations, otitis media, and calculations. Pediatric topics that were not offered anywhere in these curriculum (>40%) were cardiology, congenital heart disease, hypersensitivity reactions, child abuse, neonatal intensive care, and health disparities in children. However, topics that were most commonly covered within a pediatric elective (>50%) consisted of cardiology, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, growth and development, neonatal intensive care unit foundations, medication errors/safety, and calculations.The most common type of assessments utilized in the pediatric electives were exams or quizzes (n = 53). Case-based learning was the most common teaching method. Conclusion:This study demonstrates a growth in pediatric education, the extent of pediatric topics taught throughout curricula, and an increase in pediatric faculty members in pharmacy programs. There remains a need for all programs to teach pediatric patient-centered care and for more pediatric pharmacists leading this education in pharmacy curricula.