Expanding pharmacists' roles in breastfeeding support: A pilot study of an online breastfeeding tutorial for student pharmacists

ObjectivesA 2011 report to the US Surgeon General by the US Public Health Service Chief Pharmacist provides rationale and a compelling discussion to support health reform through pharmacists delivering expanded patient care services. With their highly visible role in the community, frequent interactions with soon-to-be and new parents, and knowledge of medication safety, pharmacists can be a key component in the promotion and support of breastfeeding, an important, and underutilized health behavior. This expanded role in breastfeeding support would be consistent with the pharmaceutical care concept. Exposing student pharmacists to breastfeeding information beyond traditional medication and lactation information can facilitate the early shaping of their attitudes and understanding.MethodsWe created and pilot-tested an online tutorial that complements existing medication–lactation education at three schools of pharmacy. A survey was conducted to understand pharmacy students' attitudes regarding their roles in infant feeding.ResultsAfter the online tutorial, student pharmacists most commonly expressed moderate confidence in answering questions that parents have on breastfeeding (47% moderately confident, 39% extremely or very confident, and 14% not very or not at all confident) and on introducing solid foods (41% moderately confident, 35% extremely or very confident, and 24% not very or not at all confident). Almost all student pharmacists felt they had an important role in providing breastfeeding information and support.ConclusionsLeveraging pharmacists to address unmet preventive health needs is especially important in our current health care delivery environment. A short online tutorial is a feasible mechanism for expanding student pharmacist awareness about breastfeeding.