e‐Prescribing in pediatric dentistry: Lessons learned from e‐learning module incorporation

Accurate medication prescribing and effective communication of this pharmacological information to patients is critical in dentistry.1, 2 To ensure that healthcare providers are prepared to prescribe medications accurately and safely, the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC) created an e-Prescribing learning module specific for pharmacy, pharmacy technician, medical, nurse practitioner, and dental programs.3 The problem addressed in this study was the deficit in the knowledge and skills of dental students in prescribing appropriate medications for pediatric patients. Students had theoretical knowledge during the pharmacology course, but struggled with determining the appropriate medication, dosage, and regimen for pediatric patients in a clinical scenario as their prior pharmacology courses mainly focused on adult prescriptions. To address this problem, the AFPC e-Prescribing learning module3 was incorporated into the DENT424—Pediatric Dentistry Diagnosis and Treatment planning course. Students were required to register and complete the module on their own time, and then participate in live discussion of pediatric case studies with their peers and the DENT424 course instructor to practice and reinforce key concepts. Even though the module was multidisciplinary, it was relevant and effective in teaching students about the broader healthcare system, including the importance of data security with regard to dental records and the process involved in writing prescriptions, refills, and renewals. Initial verbal feedback from the students was positive. We perceived that the students demonstrated a better understanding of the overall process and logistics involved in prescribing medication, including a better understanding of clinician and patient perspectives. All 36 students (100%) participated in an anonymous survey conducted a week after completing the module, and 89% of students strongly agreed or agreed that the topics covered in the module were relevant, 91% of students strongly agreed or agreed that the module increased their knowledge about e-Prescribing, while 80% strongly agreed or agreed that the module helped them understand the role of other healthcare professionals in prescribing and the medication use system (Table 1). Feedback in Table 2 shows that 33% of students who provided written comments on the survey reported a lack of dentistry-specific examples, and another 33% stated the module was too long. Incorporating the e-Prescribing learning module and case discussions in pediatric dentistry was a positive supplemental learning opportunity for doctor of dental medicine (DMD) Year 3 students. The module was effective in teaching students about the broader healthcare system and all the processes involved in prescribing medication. However, there were areas of weakness that persisted, such as students' difficulty in choosing an appropriate medication, determining the correct dosage and regimen, and physically writing out a prescription. In the absence of a specific e-prescribing module for pediatric patients, future sessions in the course can include additional case discussions and practice time to increase competency, combined with additional practice in pediatric dentistry prescription skills as students progress through their final year. The overall positive feedback from the anonymous survey demonstrated that students enjoyed the experience of learning using e-Prescribing as an additional learning tool.

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