I spent the last week collecting data for the directed studies project. This step reinforced the fact that data collection is the hardest task of conducting research as it involves hours and hours of looking up patient charts and collecting information. I also got more practice critically appraising an article. I would be exposed to this more during my Evidence based medicine rotation with Dr. Aaron Tejani. The skills acquired would be very helpful when practicing as a health care professional as I learnt that I do not have to believe all the information that is presented to me, rather look at all the sections carefully and analyze it critically. I gained knowledge about some key terms used in research reports and articles, for example intention to treat analysis, double dummy study etc.
Even though I never picked this rotation as an elective, I am glad I was assigned this rotation as I gained a lot of knowledge about the responsibilities of a Drug Use Evaluation Pharmacist. I believe that presence of a DUE pharmacist in a hospital or health care authority is essential as the system can analyze the drug use patterns and advice the physicians on prescribing patterns so that system’s resources are not misused.
I am looking forward to two weeks of Didactics and reinforcing my knowledge of pharmacokinetics acquired during the course taken at UBC with Dr. Ensom.
