Interprofessional Approach to Educating Medical Students on Pediatric Medication Taste and Palatability

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Medication palatability is one of many factors influencing medication adherence in the pediatric population, but there is limited research into medical students’ knowledge of this relationship. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and beliefs of medical students regarding pediatric medication characteristics, administration, taste, and effect of palatability on adherence before and after an interprofessional education session. METHODS Pharmacy colleagues taught a lecture addressing pediatric pharmacology, patient cases, medication administration strategies, and methods to enhance adherence. Participants had the opportunity to taste amoxicillin, cefdinir, clindamycin, prednisolone, and ranitidine. Students completed a survey before and after the education session, and a poll during the taste test. RESULTS Prior to the session, students had very few lecture hours devoted to these topics and the majority were unfamiliar with medication flavoring and administration to children. After the session, 94% of students stated their opinion on the importance of medication palatability had changed. There was a significant improvement in students’ beliefs about their pharmacology knowledge (p