Integrating Innovative Technologies Into a Psychiatric Pharmacy Clerkship Rotation

Abstract

One quarter of the US population suffers from a diagnosable mental illness, and society is becoming more educated about these diseases and the medications used to treat them. Inasmuch as pharmacy is considered one of the most trusted professions, it is imperative that pharmacists have a good understanding of psychotropics to properly counsel their patients. However, psychopharmacology is often given disproportionate coverage in most pharmacy curricula considering the frequency of these illnesses. For future pharmacists to gain much-needed knowledge, a psychiatric pharmacy clerkship rotation can be instrumental in developing competence through patient consultations and in performing drug regimen reviews. Integrating simple technologies into a clerkship can greatly reduce the burden on the preceptor and provide a consistent and fulfilling experience for the student. Educators in nursing and medicine have used various technologies with much success, albeit in mostly a classroom environment. Applicable media include e-mail, the Internet, personal digital assistants, CD-ROM programs, and video teleconferencing. Various basic and advanced techniques, such as making monthly calendars and using CD-ROM media to free Web-based video teleconferencing, are described in detail to assist preceptors in using these technologies for their rotations. The future potential of the addition of technology into education is only limited by one's imagination and the tools available.