Community Learning Program integrated in PharmD Curriculum
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Abstract
Objective: 1) To describe outputs of the community learning program among the second year pharmacy students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahasarakham University, and 2) to summarize opinions of pharmacy students on this activity. Methods: The study was a descriptive design. The integration of community learning program was driven through social pharmacy modules with two activities; the first was using the 7 tools for community learning, and the second was surveying the community health situation. All 101 students were required to perform both activities in a community of approximately 200 households. Health survey was analyzed by descriptive statistics. After the completion of all activities, fifteen randomly selected students were invited to describe their thoughts to three open-ended questions. Data was analyzed thematically. Results: Students produced outputs corresponding to the 7-tools for community learning and completely collected information using community health survey forms from 111 villagers. Descriptive analysis of data found 18.9% were drinkers and 12.6% were smokers, while 57.3% were overweight and 58.3% were being at high risk of diabetes within 12 years. 26.5% would buy medicines to treat themselves as the first source of healthcare. A third (33.0%) had reported previous use of “Ya-chud”. Students expressed that the community learning program had provided the opportunity for them to learn about the lifestyles of people living in rural community, to get to know the community health situation, and to practice working within the community. However, they felt that working hours assigned to this program should be allocated more appropriately. They also suggested lecturers should be in the community together with students. Conclusion: The integration of community learning program in PharmD curriculum demonstrates valuable benefit to all parties. Students have opportunity to practice working in community while the community can learn about their health situation.
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ผลการวิจัยและความคิดเห็นที่ปรากฏในบทความถือเป็นความคิดเห็นและอยู่ในความรับผิดชอบของผู้นิพนธ์ มิใช่ความเห็นหรือความรับผิดชอบของกองบรรณาธิการ หรือคณะเภสัชศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์ ทั้งนี้ไม่รวมความผิดพลาดอันเกิดจากการพิมพ์ บทความที่ได้รับการเผยแพร่โดยวารสารเภสัชกรรมไทยถือเป็นสิทธิ์ของวารสารฯ
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