title: An active learning complementary and alternative medicine session in a self-care therapeutics class.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an interactive, non-supplement based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) session in a self-care therapeutics class and to evaluate the effect of the session on pharmacy students' perceptions and knowledge of CAM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Second professional year pharmacy students enrolled in a required 3-credit course titled Self-Care Therapeutics participated in an active learning session on CAM. Students physically engaged in 5 separate active learning CAM sessions including massage therapy, Tai Chi, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and Reiki.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students were assessed on both knowledge and perception of CAM. Concept mastery was assessed using a written examination and individual readiness assurance tests (iRAT) and team readiness assurance tests (tRAT). Perception of CAM was measured using both a presession and a postsession survey.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participating in an intensive, active learning CAM session provided an opportunity to increase students' knowledge of CAM and an effective strategy for providing the learner with the experience to better envision incorporation into patient therapies.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Melissa J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mattison
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Eric C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Nemec
mesh_terms: D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D013339:Students, Pharmacy
keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); active learning; self-care