Evaluation of pediatric electives and core pediatric topics offered at United States schools and colleges of pharmacy

Introduction Pediatric patients are an important population in every community, and providing patient-centered care to this population relies on fundamental knowledge of pediatric care. Objectives To describe the availability of pediatric electives and depth of pediatric topics taught throughout the curricula offered at Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs in the United States. Methods This was a quantitative/qualitative survey study assessment. A 21-question survey was created, reviewed, and pilot-tested prior to full distribution. The electronic survey was administered and distributed via email to relevant faculty at 145 identified Pharm.D. programs. Results The survey achieved a 65% response rate with 69.2% of responding programs reported offering at least one pediatric elective. Pharmacy schools that responded represented all areas of the United States. The majority, 57.5% (n = 54), of responding programs employed at least one full-time pediatric faculty member, and 14.9% (n = 2) had two pediatric faculty members. The most common topics taught in pharmacy curricula without a pediatric elective (>80%) were cystic fibrosis, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, immunizations, otitis media, and calculations. Pediatric topics that were not offered anywhere in these curriculum (>40%) were cardiology, congenital heart disease, hypersensitivity reactions, child abuse, neonatal intensive care, and health disparities in children. However, topics that were most commonly covered within a pediatric elective (>50%) consisted of cardiology, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, growth and development, neonatal intensive care unit foundations, medication errors/safety, and calculations. The most common type of assessments utilized in the pediatric electives were exams or quizzes (n = 53). Case-based learning was the most common teaching method. Conclusion This study demonstrates a growth in pediatric education, the extent of pediatric topics taught throughout curricula, and an increase in pediatric faculty members in pharmacy programs. There remains a need for all programs to teach pediatric patient-centered care and for more pediatric pharmacists leading this education in pharmacy curricula.