A survey of 130 rural community pharmacists in Washington State found 70% in towns with five or fewer pharmacies; almost all provided nutrition information to their communities though only 20% had taken a nutrition course during pharmacy training. Most common questions concerned supplements and weight loss. Respondents relied on pharmacy journals,…

A multimedia approach to drug therapy for Parkinson's Disease, part of a pharmacy school central nervous system course, integrated use of lecture, textbook, video/graphic technology, the movie "Awakenings," Internet and World Wide Web, and an interactive animated movie. A followup questionnaire found generally positive student attitudes…

A study investigated the use and effectiveness of dental crowns and alternative treatments for posterior teeth, using data from insurance claims. Results show older patients more likely to receive crowns, with higher costs. Regional treatment differences were also found. Data raised questions about consistency of treatment recommendations among…

A study investigated the problem-solving skills and cognitive and learning styles of clinical decision making of 40 pharmacy clerkship students using a computer program. Results showed similarities in temperament, learning styles, information-processing modes, problem-solving strategies, and critical-thinking strengths, providing a profile of…

A study compared student perceptions of the effectiveness of computer-assisted simulation and computer graphics with that of laboratory classes in teaching organ-bath techniques in pharmacology. Students found definite benefits in computer-assisted instruction to supplement laboratory practicals, with noticeable increase in understanding of…

Health professions schools can contribute significantly to the mission of metropolitan universities and have substantial impact on their communities. In addition to the direct impact of their graduates and affiliate health care facilities, they can make a major contribution serving the community's health care needs, as illustrated by activities at…

A Swedish empathy test for professional helpers, the Affect Reading Scale, was developed and tested on several occasions with 1000 caregivers in different sectors. Results support the conceptual validity of the scale and demonstrate that it is responsive to educational experiences that influence empathy. (SLD)

Argues that medicine's standard of conduct can be applied to the formation of ethical standards for practices and policies in higher education. Offers sources for developing a standard of care for college students based on the body of research on traditional-age undergraduate students. Compares medicine's "tele-medicine" with higher education's…

Explains structurally based therapeutic evaluation of drugs, which uses seven therapeutic criteria in translating chemical and structural knowledge into therapeutic decision making in pharmaceutical care. In a Creighton University (Nebraska) medicinal chemistry course, students apply the approach to solve patient-related therapeutic problems in…

A survey of dental hygiene program directors (n=107) revealed that in associate degree/certificate and bachelor's programs, applicants, class size, and student achievement have declined since 1957 but student age and experience have increased. In addition, students tend to be female Caucasians. Recruitment and labor market implications are…

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry's experience in implementing problem-based learning, usually used in small classes, in a large group instructional situation in a traditional, subject-based optometric curriculum is described. Development of a modified approach, simulated patient problems, weekly quizzes, patient notes, large- and small-group…

The background, origins, functions, and recommendations of the American Association of Dental Schools' task force investigating improvement of access to dental hygiene training programs and of curriculum and program design are presented. (MSE)

A study investigated the effectiveness of using the Pharmacist's Work-up of Drug Therapy (PWDT) in teaching 91 pharmacy students in a clinical clerkship program to identify and solve drug-related problems. Because the instructional technique was recently implemented, the study looked at effects of 3 different quantities of training (0, 1, and 3…

A mobile eye care service is offered to homebound elderly residents of New York City (New York) by the State University of New York's College of Optometry. Fourth-year students are required to participate, learning techniques with hand-held equipment to examine a population with a high rate of ocular disease who might otherwise not receive…

An undergraduate track in retail pharmacy management was designed to prepare students better for everyday needs in community pharmacy. Multiple teaching approaches were used. Student response has been positive and enrollment has increased substantially. Graduate recommendations for course improvement are minimal. Course descriptions are appended.…