The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Geriatric Care among Student Pharmacists

Abstract

Specific Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of pharmacy students regarding geriatric care. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to first, second and third year pharmacy students to assess the impact of geriatric curriculum on students at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. The primary grouping variable was whether or not students had previously taken a course focused on geriatrics. Main Results: A total of 193 pharmacy students completed the questionnaire which resulted in a response rate of 64.33%. There is no comparison group for the first year class as all students in this class had never taken a geriatric-focused course. Therefore, no tests for statistical significance could be performed for this class. Students in the second year class who have taken a geriatrics-focused course scored higher than those without course experience on all four of the attitude and beliefs questions (p = 0.104, p = 0.042, p = 0.045, p = 0.025). The same held true for the third year class (p = 0.006, p <0.001, p = 0.050, p = 0.653). Both classes showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge of geriatric care in those students who have previously taken a geriatrics-focused course (p = 0.032 for second years, p = 0.022 for third years). Conclusions: This study showed that pharmacy students at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy who have previously taken a geriatrics-focused course have more positive attitudes and beliefs regarding geriatric care as well as a stronger knowledge base regarding geriatrics. With an aging population, it is important that pharmacists be knowledgeable and capable of caring for geriatric patients. Thus, we recommend that all pharmacy schools include a geriatrics-focused course as part of the standard curriculum for Pharm D. candidates.