Clinical Decision Making

Catalog description

This required course serves as an integrative, readiness course at the end of the didactic curriculum, strengthening students’ clinical decision-making and critical thinking through the application of knowledge and skills from across the PharmD program. Students will synthesize concepts from biomedical, pharmaceutical, social/behavioral and administrative, and clinical sciences, along with the application of Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process, to evaluate complex patient care scenarios and make evidence-based clinical decisions. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, prioritization, problem-solving, and professional judgment. Through applied cases and practice-based activities, students will enhance their skills in assessing and diagnosing based on patient presentation, identifying medication-related problems, prescribing therapeutic options, justifying clinical decisions, and communicating effectively in a manner consistent with patient-centered care, legal requirements, and professional standards. The course supports readiness for advanced pharmacy practice experiences and the transition to professional practice.