Objective: Collection of the latest information for appropriate and safe drug use is clinically essential, and the “Japan Pharmaceutical Association Drug Information” (JPADI) is a useful source.  We prepared a text on the basis of JPADI for undergraduates to learn adverse drug events (ADEs).  The objective of this study was to report the outcomes of our educational plan and student perspectives regarding the management of ADEs.
Methods: We provided 20 students with a self-study text for ADEs, including ADE reports, relief services by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, and pharmacist medication errors.  Case reports were categorized by disease discipline. Students were administered a questionnaire regarding their evaluation and interest regions of our text, the significance of relief services, and roles of drug information specialist.
Results: Fifteen students (75%) completed the questionnaire.  Interest regions were pharmacist medication errors (n=9), systemic and multi-organ disorders (n=9), and cardiovascular disorders (n=5).  We received comments such as “these errors are experiences creating cascades for the prevention of recurrence” (n=2).  In terms of relief services, “expenses relief ” (n=4) as a merit and “vagueness of relief standards” (n=4) as a demerit were provided.  Roles of drug information specialist included “provide easy-to-understand drug information to patients” (n=4) and “share with other medical staff ” (n=2).  No specific improvements for the text were suggested.
Conclusion: Our educational plan using a self-study text based on drug information is useful for developing student responsibility and expertise for becoming pharmacist.