October 9, 2017
UF’s Phi Delta Chi hosted another “Brown Bag” event at Oak Hammock retirement community on October 9th from 9 am to 12 pm. For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Brown Bag”, this is a name given to a classic pharmacy experiential event where patients are asked to bring all of their current medications (prescription, OTC, supplements, etc.) in a “brown bag” to discuss them with a pharmacist/pharmacy student. At the beginning of the encounter, we compile a complete medication list with drug name, dose, frequency, indication, etc. We then look for ways to optimize the patient’s drug regimen, including checking for drug-drug interactions and addressing any issues the patient may be experiencing. Personally, I think it is clear that this service is very valuable for patients, especially for senior citizens who often take numerous medications daily.
The PDC Brown Bag event consisted of two 2-hour shifts with four pharmacy students assigned to each shift being overseen by our preceptor, Dr. Alex Ebied (a PDC alumni). In preparation for the event we sent an email to Oak Hammock residents, added the event to their monthly calendar, and reserved a room at the facility called the Fire Place Lounge. In addition to the traditional Brown Bag activities, we also checked patients’ blood pressure upon request, which was very popular. The event was a great success! Not only did we help improve medication regimens for multiple senior citizens, but it was an incredible experience interacting with real patients and putting our knowledge to use. Brown Bags are one of my favorite types of service events because they provide the perfect setting to practice medication therapy management skills and patient counseling in a stress-free environment. Furthermore, the preceptor is always right there if you need him to step in. I truly value the knowledge I have gained from these experiences via preceptors and the fun interactions with patients while working alongside fellow brothers.
BY: JACE COLINA
UF’s Phi Delta Chi hosted another “Brown Bag” event at Oak Hammock retirement community on October 9th from 9 am to 12 pm. For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Brown Bag”, this is a name given to a classic pharmacy experiential event where patients are asked to bring all of their current medications (prescription, OTC, supplements, etc.) in a “brown bag” to discuss them with a pharmacist/pharmacy student. At the beginning of the encounter, we compile a complete medication list with drug name, dose, frequency, indication, etc. We then look for ways to optimize the patient’s drug regimen, including checking for drug-drug interactions and addressing any issues the patient may be experiencing. Personally, I think it is clear that this service is very valuable for patients, especially for senior citizens who often take numerous medications daily.
The PDC Brown Bag event consisted of two 2-hour shifts with four pharmacy students assigned to each shift being overseen by our preceptor, Dr. Alex Ebied (a PDC alumni). In preparation for the event we sent an email to Oak Hammock residents, added the event to their monthly calendar, and reserved a room at the facility called the Fire Place Lounge. In addition to the traditional Brown Bag activities, we also checked patients’ blood pressure upon request, which was very popular. The event was a great success! Not only did we help improve medication regimens for multiple senior citizens, but it was an incredible experience interacting with real patients and putting our knowledge to use. Brown Bags are one of my favorite types of service events because they provide the perfect setting to practice medication therapy management skills and patient counseling in a stress-free environment. Furthermore, the preceptor is always right there if you need him to step in. I truly value the knowledge I have gained from these experiences via preceptors and the fun interactions with patients while working alongside fellow brothers.
BY: JACE COLINA