TEACHING HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS ABOUT DRUG-INDUCED DISEASE - AN INNOVATIVE CLINICAL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

An innovative conference on the general principles of recognition and management of drug-induced disease was developed for healthcare profes sionals (particularly primary care). The full-day conference used a cl inical therapeutic approach and was a cooperative effort of the United Stales Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Staff College and Georgetown University Medical Ce nter (GUMC). Linked with the FDA MedWatch postmarketing surveillance i nitiative, the conference used multiple formats, including didactic pr esentations, panel discussions, and case discussions led by faculty fr om various disciplines (e.g., internal and family medicine, psychiatry , clinical pharmacology, dentistry, clinical pharmacy, nursing, epidem iology). Conference topics included new drug approval, pharmacokinetic /pharmacodynamic considerations, and clinical assessment of adverse dr ug events. Tests were administered to participants before and after th e conference, and participants completed a conference evaluation, Mean scores for the pre- and posttests were compared globally and by profe ssional discipline. Conference evaluations were assessed for responses to eight standardized statements and elicited comments. After the con ference, mean and median test scores were improved both globally and b y discipline in comparison to pretest results, with improvement on alm ost all individual test questions. Comparison of median scores for the pre- and posttests showed small differences between physicians and ph armacists. Evaluations showed markedly positive response to standardiz ed statements, including enhancement of professional growth; elicited comments were supportive of conference effectiveness and attendee acce ptance. This conference, which utilized a combination of educational f ormats, was designed to present material of an innovative nature. Resu lts indicate that the conference was well received and fulfilled speci fied learning objectives, including recognition of populations particu larly vulnerable to adverse drug events and understanding of how indiv idual providers can contribute to FDA postmarketing surveillance. Cont inuing educational efforts using this approach are encouraged.