Appendix A: Clerkship Competencies

At the completion of the clerkship experience, students, under the supervision of the preceptor, should have (where applicable):

• Obtained complete medical histories, including drug allergy implications, and established a problem list and pertinent physical findings.
• Interacted with physicians and other healthcare professionals to determine therapeutic objectives in the treatment of the patient’s problems and recommended the appropriate drug entity in the proper dosage form, formulation, and route of administration. In addition, dosages should have been determined considering pharmacokinetic and patient specific principles.
• Ensured that the delivery of pharmaceuticals to the patients is timely, efficient and correct. This may include dosage calculations, verification of orders and compounding/preparatory procedures.
• Counseled patients regarding the appropriate use, dosage, schedule, storage, side effects, interactions, and disposal of the prescribed medications.
• Monitored patient’s medication regimens for compliance, medication-related problems, adverse reactions, and the need for continuation of therapy.
• Provided drug information to healthcare providers and patients through the retrieval, analysis, interpretation, and application of the available drug information sources. Special attention to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, clinical, social, and pharmacoeconomic impact is desirable.
• Communicated effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals by obtaining information, through interviews, and disseminating information by verbal and written means. This may include preparation and delivery of educational programs.
• Obtained a working knowledge of management issues including, supply sources for medications, pharmacy and therapeutics committee deliberations, interactions with other healthcare agencies, continuing education programming, and licensing and accreditation standards.