title: Medication management in primary and secondary schools: evaluation of mental health related in-service education in local schools.
abstract: An increasing number of students are taking medications while they are in school or are under the influence of medication during school hours. In a novel effort, clinical pharmacists and mental health therapists worked together to provide "mini-in-service" educational programs on psychological disorders and medications used to treat these disorders. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of these educational programs presented to school nurses, teachers, school administrators, and other personnel. The study compared participant responses before and after attending a medication in-service session on a psychological disorder and its related medications. Results indicated that in-service education on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression improved the knowledge and confidence levels of school personnel regarding medications and symptoms. Feedback indicated school personnel wanted longer educational sessions and more information on these disorders and treatments. School nurses working with health professionals can improve education for staff, families, and students about mental health disorders and their treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Reutzel
authors.forename: Archana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Desai
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Workman
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Atkin
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grady
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: Nhu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.lastname: Nian Liu
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rafinski
authors.forename: Thanh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dang