Pharmacoepidemiology

This course is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts and methods of pharmacoepidemiology. Emphasis will be placed on explaining pharmacoepidemiological study designs and critically analyzing, interpreting, and preventing drug related problems in a population. The utility of databases and pharmacovigilance reporting systems in pharmacoepidemiology will be assessed. Students will be expected to utilize studies other than randomized control trials to evaluate safety and effectiveness of medications. Special applications of pharmacoepidemiology will be reviewed to introduce the student to the relationship between epidemiology and pharmacy practice.