The Effect of a Student Pharmacist Directed Health-Education Program for Elementary-School Children

• Published in: Innovations in pharmacy Vol. 10; no. 4; p. 6
• Main Authors: Matson, Kelly L, Orr, Katherine K, Marino, Caitlin, Cohen, Lisa B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing 2019
• Subjects: community engagement; health education; Original Research; pediatrics; health education; pediatrics; community engagement
• ISSN: 2155-0417; 2155-0417
• DOI: 10.24926/iip.v10i4.1457

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.