Student and Faculty Perspective Toward the Role and Value of Integration of Natural Product Information into the Pharmacy Curriculum

ABSTRACT

Background: Consumer use of natural products is a mainstay in our society and continues to grow in prevalence. As pharmacists are viewed as drug experts and are easily accessible to patients, it is important for them to have basic knowledge of natural products. Methods: Students and faculty members participating in a natural product elective were surveyed upon completion of the course about their perspectives regarding incorporation of covered information into the required curriculum. Results: The majority of students and faculty members agree with the necessity of natural product content in the pharmacy curriculum. Their ideas for ways of incorporating this information, however, differ. Conclusion: Healthcare students and faculty are beginning to recognize the need for incorporation of Natural Product information into the curriculum and healthcare programs in the country should begin to rise to the occasion.

KEYWORDS. :

• natural products
• education
• pharmacy
• complementary and alternative medicine