Problems associated with prescription drug use and misuse are discussed. The role of the pharmacist in providing information that patients need to use drugs appropriately is emphasized. (SFJ)

A course format is described in which fifth-year students were taught a consumer-oriented, problem-solving approach to the patient assessment and communication aspects of providing technical advice on nonprescription drugs in a community pharmacy setting. Assignments consisted of role-playing and writing patient-oriented information sheets.…

The pharmacist-physician-patient relationship is discussed as well as factors that affect the prescribing and dispensing of drugs. It is suggested that pharmacists coordinate their efforts with those of the physicians by taking a more active role in serving their customers. (SF)

A one week rotation in home health care for the aged, included in a required clinical clerkship, provided students with exposure to medical, social, and economic influences on the elderly and provided the patient with nondispensing pharmaceutical services. Improved communication skills and knowledge of geriatric drugs and diseases resulted. (MSE)

A project is described that aims: (1) to give undergraduate pharmacy students an understanding of the complexities of communicating medication information to patients, and (2) to teach skills in the design, analysis, and evaluation of written patient medication information. Materials students developed were evaluated by fellow students (MSE)

The results of a study of an undergraduate psychopharmacy rotation in an inpatient hospital setting are detailed and its influence on pharmacy graduates careers in pharmacy is assessed. Features of the rotation included the students' participation in patient care activities and patient education about medications. (Author/MLW)

The roles of ethics and law in contemporary pharmacy practice are investigated. Four ethico-legal issues are discussed: profile maintenance and use, patient counseling, drug product selection, and delegation of professional tasks. The drug product selection movement has forced upon pharmacists a reassessment of ethical and legal standards.…

Two pharmacy computer training laboratories were developed in Nebraska to facilitate student acquisition of computer skills for patient education prior to their clerkships at Nebraska Drug Information Network rural sites. Students' previous computer experience and computer use in delivering education during clerkships were assessed. Patterns in…

Health education in the provision of pharmacy service plays an increasingly important role and deserves treatment within pharmacy curricula. This paper specifically addresses the area of educating patients about drugs, drug use, and health in general. Appended are a course outline and a course reading list. (MLW)

Personal computer technology has arrived in health care. Specific technological advances are optical disc storage, smart cards, voice recognition, and robotics. This paper discusses computers in medicine, in nursing, in conglomerates, and with patients. Future health care will be delivered in primary care centers, medical supermarkets, specialized…