Objective. To determine whether changes occur over 1 academic year in pharmacy students' critical thinking skills and disposition to think critically. Methods. First, second, third, and fourth-year pharmacy students completed the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) and the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) at the beginning and end of 1 academic year. Results. One hundred thirty-seven students completed the study. No significant changes occurred over the year in total scores on either instrument. However, scores in 3 of 12 subscale scores changed significantly and several significant correlations were found. Conclusion. Pharmacy students' scores on 2 critical thinking instruments showed no major improvements over 1 academic year but most scores were above average. Some areas of possible weakness were identified. Additional studies comparing scores over a longer period of time (eg, admission to graduation) are needed.

Objective. To determine the reading level of third-professional year doctor of pharmacy students and whether a significant correlation existed between Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) grade equivalence scores and the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) percentile scores, and to determine the reading level of selected course materials. Methods. The NDRT was administered to third-professional year (P3) pharmacy students. Scores from the NDRT were compared to the percentile rankings of the students' PCAT scores to determine whether significant correlations existed. Chapters from a pharmacy textbook and published medical guidelines were assessed using the Gunning FOG readability formula. Results. Based upon the NDRT, the average reading grade level for pharmacy students was 16.5 years. There was a strong correlation between the vocabulary scores from the NDRT and the PCAT verbal percentile (r 5 0.776, p , 0.001). The average readability grade level of the materials assessed was 18.0 years for the textbook and 19.2 years for the medical guidelines. Conclusions. The verbal PCAT percentiles strongly correlate with the vocabulary grade equivalence scores on the NDRT. A moderate correlation was found between the composite PCAT percentiles and NDRT total grade equivalence scores. There was also a disparity between the average reading level of the students and that of the reading samples that were assessed.

Objectives. To identify reasons for inclusion of international practice experiences in pharmacy curricula and to understand the related structure, benefits, and challenges related to the programs. Methods. A convenience sample of 20 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States with international pharmacy education programs was used. Telephone interviews were conducted by 2 study investigators. Results. University values and strategic planning were among key driving forces in the development of programs. Global awareness and cultural competency requirements added impetus to program development. Participants' advice for creating an international practice experience program included an emphasis on the value of working with university health professions programs and established travel programs. Conclusion. Despite challenges, colleges and schools of pharmacy value the importance of international pharmacy education for pharmacy students as it increases global awareness of health needs and cultural competencies.

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Therapeutic Area: An overview of general pharmacy practice and a historical description of the profession are presented.Format: This 484 page, hardcover book is divided into 20 chapters.Audience: This book is intended for students in pharmacy and pharmacy technician programs, pharmacy faculty, and pharmacists interested in exploring the breadth of the profession.Purpose: The author's intention is to provide readers with a brief history of the profession and a current overview of the various facets of pharmacy practice and the factors that influence it. It would be most useful for students in pharmacy or pharmacy technician programs early in the curriculum as well as for the faculty who teach in these disciplines.Content: Chapters flow logically to give a broad picture of the pharmacy profession, starting with a brief history of pharmacy and the factors that have shaped and continue to shape its development. Activities and roles of pharmacists are described as well as various aspects of the job market. Different practice environments (eg, community, chain, ambulatory care, hospital) are presented to give readers an appreciation for the breadth of practice opportunities. Pharmaceutical care is described, as are various other clinical activities. Additional topics include the role of pharmacy organizations, the healthcare system, drug discovery, development, regulatory issues, and the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, the book concludes with a chapter on career development and opportunities for pharmacists in nontraditional settings.Usability: The book is easy to read and understand, and each chapter begins with learning objectives so that readers know what is going to be covered. Material is well referenced and the index makes finding subjects easy. The price is comparable with other books of this size and quality.Highlights: The strength of this book is the breadth of the description of the pharmacy profession. The author provides a good overview for someone who is considering entering the pharmacy profession or who is in the early stages of his or her academic training.Limitations: As with any book, attempting to cover a broad and diverse topic, such as the profession of pharmacy, is challenging. Some of the material is limited in depth and readers will need to supplement it to gain a full appreciation of some of the topics.

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