Introduction to surgical and perioperative clinical pharmacy for third-year pharmacy students: A pilot study of an elective course

Introduction: The objective of this study was to implement and assess an elective course that exposes pharmacy students to clinical pharmacy in the surgical and perioperative setting. Methods: A blended-design elective that included synchronous and asynchronous learning was developed and offered to third-year pharmacy students. Students’ knowledge and perception regarding clinical topics in perioperative pharmacy was assessed using pre- and post-course assessments, online quizzes, a journal club, and course assignments. Knowledge of pharmacy operations was assessed using course assignments and reflective journal entries. Results: Pre- and post-course assessment improvement was seen in the categories of perioperative optimization of pharmacotherapy (29.1–70.1%, p=0.006), common surgical complications (45.8–91.7%, p = 0.001), and anesthetic agents (25–71.9%, p <0.001). Overall, the course was successful in increasing clinical pharmacy knowledge and was well received by students. Course evaluations were completed by 100% of students, and all rated the course as “excellent.” Students demonstrated mastery of course content, though the course may not have provided optimal exposure to operating room/post-anesthesia care unit operations. Discussion and conclusions: Students agreed that the course was valuable and helped them develop new skills otherwise not developed by the curriculum; this conclusion was supported by objective assessment data. A team-teaching model allowed for minimal resources to operate the course. Moving forward, an early lecture addressing perioperative operations may supplement an area the course was lacking. Additionally, a longer duration of operating room shadowing may provide requested opportunities for observation of direct patient care.