3 October 2016

A 4th Year Student presents his groups decisions and recommendations regarding a patient case where the patient had HIV and cryptococcal meninigitis

On Mondays during the Fall Semester, the 3rd and 4th Year Pharmacy Students have a class called Pharmaceutical Care Skills Lab (PCSL).  This is a course that helps them to learn how to talk to patients and other healthcare professionals as well as teaches them the practical application of their “book” knowledge. They learn how to evaluate a medication regimen for drug-drug interactions, correct doses, and appropriate therapy. They learn how to interpret laboratory test results and provide patient education.  It also includes an experiential portion where the students go to the Mulago or other local hospitals to work with patients while being precepted by the faculty, hospital pharmacists, or the pharmacy interns. This course was added to the curriculum when I helped to develop it in 2014. This is the 3rd time it is being taught and today the Wilkes Pharmacy students got a chance to help out with the PCSL. The Makerere Pharmacy students were put into groups and each of the Wilkes students worked with 1 group. This seemed to work out wonderfully! I think the learning was mutual. I was really impressed with the 3rd year class’s enthusiasm and participation, especially with the role-play of presenting their recommendations to the prescribers.  Later this week we will help precept them at the hospital as they practice their new skills.

Another 4th Year students presents his group’s recommendation about the same patient case

Khalidi, the faculty member leading the PCSL, elaborates and explains the correct recommendations for this case. But, most of the student groups had gotten the answers correct