Browsing by Author "Johnson, Jessica"

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    HOMELESS AND HUNGRY IN BANGOR: RX 504 SERVICE LEARNING CAPSTONE PROJECT
    (2023-04-20) Johnson, Jessica; Doctor of Pharmacy Candidates, Class of 2024
    Husson University School of Pharmacy Class of 2024 enrolled in RX 504 - Clinical Pharmacy Capstone, a required service-learning course that allows students to apply knowledge developed over the course of their studies to a real-world problem in their local community. Doctor of Pharmacy candidates established a goal of assessing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Penobscot County. First, students held a discussion surrounding the documentary “Hungry Now,” which explored the current homelessness crisis in the state of Maine. Second, students read published scientific literature evaluating the barriers to healthcare and medication adherence unique to persons experiencing homelessness. Students proposed possible solutions and explored how their various ideas might help individuals to overcome barriers to accessing needed medical care. Third, we visited the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter on two separate occasions with the goal of sharing a nutritious meal and speaking with residents to explore their needs and concerns regarding their medication regimens. Additionally, students advocated for expanded access to vaccinations in Maine by writing and delivering verbal testimonies at the Maine State House and provided community education at the Maine Science Festival. Through this community-engaged service-learning experience, Pharmacy students explored themes of access, wellness, identity, responsibility, and sustainability; developed a better understanding of the daily struggles faced by unhoused individuals in their local community; and were empowered to take evidence-based action in response to identified health disparity.
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    TRAINING STUDENTS TO THINK LIKE A PHARMACIST – A STRUCTURED TOOLKIT FOR P1S
    (2023-04-20) Frail, TJ; McLean Peter; Vigue, Elizabeth; Nash, Jamie; Dhing, Conrad; Yang, Tianzhi; Johnson, Jessica; Domina, Aaron
    Recognizing that many students struggle with the transition between undergraduate prepharmacy coursework and the demands of a professional Doctor of Pharmacy program, Husson University School of Pharmacy (HUSOP) developed a semester long “Toolkit” to support and mentor first-year PharmD students. The primary goals of the Toolkit included: (1) support the development of highly effective study habits for academic success and (2) improve cohesion of the entering cohort to support individual well-being and sense of belonging. Method: First professional year pharmacy students were required to participate in a two-part Toolkit initiative. Prior to the start of the academic term, students attended a two-day live orientation to explore evidence-based study strategies and tools, goal setting, and growth mindset development. Throughout the fall term, HUSOP partnered with numerous stakeholders to facilitate weekly one-hour meetings for students to discuss application of study strategies within professional coursework and to provide cohort-building activities. Students completed a survey-based evaluation tool to provide feedback on Toolkit activities and delivery. Results: Nineteen students were admitted in the cohort and sixteen completed the post-survey (84% response rate). Seven of 16 students (44%) reported agreement with the statement, “I used toolkit strategies to prepare for quizzes and exams.” 14 of 16 students (87.5%) reported agreement with the statement, “I feel like part of the P1 cohort.” Post-survey data suggested the Toolkit sessions most valued by students were led directly by faculty who could provide additional context and perspective for course content, as well as interactive feedback on assessment performance. Conclusion: The Toolkit program supported students’ transition into the PharmD program through faculty and staff-led sessions targeting student success and group cohesion. Feedback from students and faculty will guide the new iteration of Toolkit programming for Fall 2