An Elective Course on Antimicrobial Stewardship

Am J Pharm Educ. 2015 Dec 25;79(10):157. doi: 10.5688/ajpe7910157.

Abstract

Objective: To implement an antimicrobial stewardship (AS) elective course for second-year and third-year pharmacy students and to assess its impact on students' perceptions regarding the application of AS principles.

Design: A 2-credit elective course focusing on principles of AS incorporated prelecture didactic recordings with primary literature and guideline-based reading assignments, in-class active-learning group work and student-led presentations, and student-generated examination items.

Assessment: Perceptions were assessed by precourse and postcourse survey items. Graded course assessments included completion of preclass assignments (readings, prerecorded lecture and writing assessment items), in-class active participation and group presentations, a midpoint examination, and a final examination.

Conclusion: An AS-themed elective course in a doctor of pharmacy curriculum incorporating preclass, self-directed learning and in-class group-based active-learning strategies positively impacted students' perceived understanding of AS strategies.

Keywords: antimicrobial stewardship; elective course; infectious diseases; pharmacy education.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Communicable Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Comprehension
  • Curriculum
  • Drug Resistance
  • Education, Pharmacy / methods*
  • Educational Measurement
  • Educational Status
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Perception
  • Program Evaluation
  • Students, Pharmacy / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Teaching / methods*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents