pdf
Published
2019-11-04
Issue
Section
Community Engagement
License
Copyright (c) 2019 Kelly Lynn Matson, Katherine Kelly Orr, Caitlin Marino, Lisa Cohen
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright of content published in INNOVATIONS in pharmacy belongs to the author(s).
The Effect of a Student Pharmacist Directed Health-Education Program for Elementary-School Children
Kelly Lynn Matson
The University of Rhode Island
Katherine Kelly Orr
The University of Rhode Island
Caitlin Marino
University of Rochester Medical Center
Lisa Cohen
The University of Rhode Island
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v10i4.1457
Keywords: community engagement, health education, pediatrics
Abstract
Objective: The primary objective of this study was to measure the effect of an annual student pharmacist led elementary-school health education program by assessing children’s comprehension of educational sessions. Secondary objectives were to evaluate student pharmacists’ knowledge of health-related topics and practice skills.
Methods: Student pharmacists led interactive learning sessions for elementary school students on nutrition, physical activity, summer safety, hygiene, medication safety, and tobacco prevention. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered to measure change in knowledge of health promotion and healthy lifestyles. Student pharmacists also completed pre- and post-health education intervention surveys to measure change in self-perception of knowledge, confidence, and practice application of health-related topics and practice skills.
Results: Three-hundred and four elementary school children participated in the study with significant knowledge improvements observed in medication safety and tobacco prevention. Twenty-five student pharmacists completed surveys, resulting in a collective self-improvement in each area measured.
Conclusion: Interactive educational sessions led by student pharmacists have a positive impact on elementary school children’s knowledge. Student pharmacists also demonstrated professional growth through increased knowledge, confidence, and communication skills in interacting with pediatric populations.
Practice Implication: A co-curricular educational activity allowed student pharmacists to promote health and wellness to elementary students, a Healthy People 2020 goal, while also providing an opportunity to develop professional skills for future practice with pediatric patients.
Article Type: Original Research
