An elective course in aromatherapy science.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of an innovative team-taught elective course on second-year (P2) students' knowledge and skills relating to the relationship between aromatherapy and pharmacy.


METHODS
An Aromatherapy Science elective course was offered to P2 students in an accelerated doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree program and was designed to provide an elective course experience while focusing on active-learning skills such as group work, student-led presentations, and in-class activities. Lectures were designed to reinforce core curricular threads from the basic sciences within the pharmaceutical sciences department while highlighting key aromatherapy principles.


RESULTS
Course evaluations, grades, and student self-assessments were used to evaluate student fulfillment and knowledge gained. Students agreed this hands-on course integrated pharmaceutical science experiences, enriched their pharmacy education, and provided knowledge to enhance their confidence in describing essential oil uses, drug interactions, and key aromatherapy clinical implications.


CONCLUSIONS
Students agreed this course prepared them to identify essential oil therapeutic uses and potential essential oil-drug interactions, and interpret literature. The introduction of aromatherapy principles to pharmacy students will prepare a new generation of healthcare professionals on the role of alternative medicines.
College of Pharmacy, Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky.
Emily R
ER
Esposito
College of Pharmacy, Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky.
Mary V
MV
Bystrek
Spencerian College, Louisville, Kentucky.
JoAnn S
JS
Klein
D019341:Aromatherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D041743:Herb-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*
D009822:Oils, Volatile
active learning; aromatherapy; elective course; pharmaceutical sciences