摘要
ObjectivesTo evaluate PY3 pharmacy students' work experience as it relates to the use of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) resources at work site, most useful resources for researching HDS questions, comfort level at answering questions, potential ways of expanding knowledge in this field and students' perception of pharmacists' comfort level related to HDS inquiries.MethodsA 20-question survey was administered during a required course. An automated response system collected anonymous and voluntary responses.ResultsThree hundred and nine students were enrolled in the course, with 306 responding to the survey (not all answered each question). Seventy-eight percent currently held a pharmacy position. Six percent of respondents received questions about HDS on a daily basis, 31 % weekly, 42 % monthly and 21 % never. Only 7 % believed that their pharmacy had a sufficient number of resources to handle questions. Forty-six percent of respondents reported not having access to any HDS resources while 35 % of respondents reported having no experience with resources at their workplace. Eighty-three percent did not feel comfortable processing HDS questions and 65 % believed pharmacists did not have a sufficient level of comfort either.ConclusionHealthcare providers are increasingly asked to respond to patient questions about HDS. Pharmacies should offer sufficient number, quality and access to information resources and provide additional education for their practicing pharmacists and interns. Although pharmacy students in the current curriculum are exposed to these resources, lack of application at work and throughout the curriculum precludes students from further developing and expanding their skills and information base in the HDS field.