Course

The clerkship is designed to provide comprehensive clinical training and hands-on experience in a hospital setting. This program focuses on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills in the clinical department, enabling students to develop a deeper understanding of patient care, medication management, and the role of a clinical pharmacist. The primary aim is to enhance students’ clinical competencies, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities, preparing them to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

During the clinical department posting, students will be immersed in various aspects of patient care under the guidance of experienced clinical pharmacists and healthcare professionals. They will participate in patient rounds, review medication charts, and collaborate with doctors and nurses to optimize pharmacotherapy. The curriculum includes activities such as monitoring drug therapy, identifying and resolving drug-related problems, providing drug information, and counselling patients on medication use. Additionally, students will be involved in clinical research, case presentations, and discussions, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional development. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the dynamics of clinical settings and the pivotal role of pharmacists in enhancing patient outcomes.

Upon successful completion of this course, students shall be able to;

KNOWLEDGE:

K1: Outline the Importance of the Clinical Pharmacist’s role in clinical departments.

K2: Describe the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and drug interactions of medications commonly used in the clinical setting.

K3: Discuss the process of patient assessment, including history taking, physical examination findings, and laboratory results interpretation.

K4: Compare current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices for the management of chronic diseases.

K5: Generate the principles of medication safety, including error prevention strategies and reporting systems.

K6: Apply the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics principles relevant to drug therapy in special populations, such as the elderly and those with renal impairment.

SKILLS:

S1: Practice documentation of clinical activities during clinical posting.

S2: Demonstrate effective patient counselling techniques, ensuring patients understand their medication regimens and the importance of adherence.

S3: Conduct medication reviews, identifying potential drug-related problems and recommending appropriate interventions.

S4: Apply accurate and detailed documentation of clinical interventions, patient interactions, and medication histories.

S5: Develop individualized patient care plans.

S6: Evaluate the evidence-based resources to support clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes.

ATTITUDE:

A1: Develop a commitment to providing patient-centered care and prioritizing patient safety

A2: Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals A3: Exhibit a proactive attitude towards continuous learning A4: Cultivate healthcare team management quality

A5: Display empathy and compassion in patient interactions, understanding the psychological and emotional aspects of patients.

A6: Accept responsibility and accountability for clinical decisions.

1. Pharm Clerkship posting: Students can select one of the listed clinical departments based on their interest. The posting is from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4 hours per day for 5 weeks, totalling 120 hours.

Evaluation:

The evaluation conducted by the faculty preceptor from the department of pharmacy practice. The student shall maintain documentation of work which is to be verified by the faculty preceptor. Scrutiny of work, assessment and evaluation of training shall be undertaken by an objective approach in clinical activities during and at the end of the training.

Assessment and evaluation of Clerkship:

*Percentage of attendance (10 marks)

#Evaluation criteria:

1. Pharmaceutical Intervention
2. Adverse drug reactions analysis and reporting
3. Medication error
4. Medication Reconciliation
5. Patient counselling
6. Drug Information Query
7. Prescription Audit

Clerkship activities: Students posted in the department are expected to perform the following activities and document them properly

1. Students posted in the department possess thorough knowledge of common diseases and drugs prescribed in that department.
2. Learn the medications and their diluents for reconstitution / infusion with which mixing to be done.
3. Participate in ward rounds, conduct pre rounds, offering input on medication-related issues and patient care plans.
4. Advise healthcare professionals on medication selection, dosing, and
5. Actively engage in medication reconciliation and drug utilization
6. Assess appropriateness of medication use, identifying potential drug interactions and
7. Provide pharmacokinetic assessments and dosing
8. Optimize antibiotic use, reduce resistance, and improve patient
9. Assist in coordinating medication plans for discharged patients and provide discharge
10. Offer up-to-date drug information and resources to healthcare
11. Identify and report medication errors and develop strategies to prevent medication
12. Students posted in oncology department gain knowledge on compounding dosing and sterility of the chemotherapeutic agents.