Communication apprehension (CA), an individual's fear or anxiety about real or anticipated communication, is common among pharmacy students. A course using systematic desensitization, cognitive modification, and assertiveness training has been effective in reducing CA and increasing communication skills in students. The techniques can be learned…

One in five pharmacy students is communication apprehensive (CA), similar to the general population. A third of those surveyed were shy, and about 14 percent were both high CA and shy. The more anxiety a communication type presents, the less importance the student attaches to it. Systematic desensitization is recommended. (MSE)

Recognition of the importance of patient compliance with medication regimens has resulted in a total redesign of a course at the Auburn University School of Pharmacy. A description of the rationale and methodology for focusing communication courses on patient compliance is presented along with a conceptual model and course syllabus. (Author/MLW)

Since research shows the proportion of pharmacy students with high communication apprehension greater than in the general population, a formal program to combine systematic desensitization and cognitive restructuring with classroom instruction was developed. Results indicate substantial reductions in communication apprehension. (Author/MSE)

The adoption of contract grading for a required pharmacy communication course at Auburn University is discussed. The primary objective of the course was to develop an acceptable level of communication competencies. Traditional approaches of grading were not seen as conducive to mastery learning and motivating students to perform. (Author/MLW)

After viewing a videotaped continuing education program on communication skills, 51 pharmacists' cognitive gains were compared with those of a control group of 34 pharmacists. Although a significant difference appeared between experimental and control groups, the experimental group's scores remained low by state licensing standards. (Author/MSE)

Prompted by data from a national survey indicating that communication apprehension (CA) was higher among pharmacy students than among the general population, West Virginia University developed a communication course especially to meet the needs of these students. The course was later modified by Auburn University. A study investigated the…

A study explored the notion that moral reasoning skills are important to the provision of pharmaceutical care. It compared the moral reasoning skills of two classes of pharmacy students with those of practitioners who scored high on measures of pharmaceutical care and clinical decision making. Implications for pharmacy school admissions and…