Pharmacy students' knowledge, perceptions, and satisfaction in a nutrition course

Background and purpose

Little is known about nutrition education in pharmacy programs. This study reports on the outcomes assessment of pharmacy students' knowledge, perceptions, and satisfaction in a clinical nutrition course.

Educational activity and setting

A 2-credit required course in clinical nutrition and diet therapy provides third-year professional pharmacy students with knowledge on various diet and nutrition topics. These relate to nutrition concepts in health and disease, the prevention and treatment of diet- and nutrition-related health conditions, and enteral and parenteral nutrition.

Findings

Between the academic years 2012 and 2021, 720 students were enrolled in the course. Direct assessment data were collected from 227 students, and indirect assessment data from 173 students. On average, 85.7% of students acquired the necessary knowledge on all 23 course learning objectives. Average course evaluation ratings by students on a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree = 1; disagree = 2; somewhat agree = 3; agree = 4; strongly agree = 5) were high (4.43). High ratings were also recorded for students' satisfaction with the course structure (4.46) and teaching effectiveness (4.39). Students appreciated the clear presentation of the course learning objectives, requirements, and teaching effectiveness. They also acknowledged the quality of the learning experience and the course's relevance to pharmacy.

Discussion

Students highly rated the course in achieving its learning objectives in addition to their satisfaction with its content, structure, delivery, and relevance to pharmacy education and practice. Furthermore, the course content addressed the accreditation requirements for nutrition education and covered the topics listed in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Pharmacotherapy Didactic Curriculum Toolkits.

Summary

The clinical nutrition and diet therapy course was well received. Educating pharmacy students on diet and nutrition prepares graduates for expanding their role in these domains in the community, hospital and clinical practice settings.