Impact of an Elective Diabetes Course on Student Pharmacists' Skills and Attitudes

Abstract

To assess the impact of an elective diabetes course on student pharmacists' skills and attitudes about diabetes management. A 1-credit elective course on diabetes was developed that included a 1-week simulation experience during which students completed daily insulin injections, glucose checks, carbohydrate counts, and kept a daily log. A preintervention and postintervention survey was administered to assess students' attitudes toward and confidence in performing and teaching patients various diabetes self-management skills. Students' confidence in performing and teaching diabetes self-management skills significantly improved. Students' reflective writing assignment, diabetes logbook, weekly quizzes, and group presentation were also evaluated. A diabetes elective, which included a 1-week simulation of living as a diabetic patient, was an effective teaching method to increase students' confidence in performing and teaching diabetes self-management skills.