Emily Duerson is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy.
After my first year of pharmacy school, I had the opportunity to study abroad with the University of Utah Division of Public Health. I participated in programs in India and Ghana, serving as a student pharmacist on interdisciplinary health care teams, conducting health surveys and screenings in rural communities.
Our outreach improved patient outcomes
In India, my team conducted health screenings and surveys across women’s health, nutrition, mental health, and dental care. The primary survey I worked on was an antimicrobial stewardship survey to assess attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use among community members and health care providers in rural communities. My team identified several gaps in education and antimicrobial stewardship practices and presented our recommendations to a local nonprofit that could implement educational initiatives and provide long-term follow-up.
Then while in Ghana, my team conducted BP and lung function screenings. We did outreach in the community, offering BP screening and conducting medication histories to see if those with hypertension were taking antihypertensives and, if so, assessing their adherence. If they were not taking antihypertensives, we referred them to the local health clinic to establish treatment.
During our outreach, we also used Bluetooth spirometers to assess airflow and lung function. If anyone performed poorly or had inconclusive results, we sent them to our referral station. At the referral station, we used a spirometer, then administered salmeterol, a long-acting beta-agonist, and repeated the spirometry tests 15 minutes later. If their spirometry results improved after salmeterol use, it supported a diagnosis of asthma or COPD.
At the conclusion of the month, we presented the findings of our research to community members, health officials, and policymakers during the Ashanti regional meeting in Kumasi, Ghana. This meeting was my introduction to population health initiatives that connect health practices and policies to improve health outcomes.
A foundation for my classes
My participation in these health screenings and surveys provided a foundation for my second year of pharmacy school and for my pharmacotherapy courses, as well as real-world exposure to chronic disease state management. I gained valuable experience collaborating on a multidisciplinary health care team, where each member leveraged their skills to deliver the best possible care. I observed differences in pharmacy management and access.
In both India and Ghana, many medications that require a prescription in the United States were available OTC in community pharmacies. Interacting with health care providers and community members from different backgrounds expanded my cultural competency. It taught me the importance of incorporating patient values and preferences into health decisions. The broader perspective and appreciation for public health initiatives I gained that summer will shape my future practice and allow me to be an effective pharmacist.