Andrea L. Porter

Comparison of online versus classroom delivery of an immunization elective course.

Objective. To compare performance and preferences of students who were randomly allocated to classroom or online sections of an elective course on immunization. Methods. Students were randomly assigned to either the classroom or online section. All course activities (lectures, quizzes, case discussions, vaccine administration, and final examination) were the same for both sections, except for the delivery of lecture material. Assessment. Students were surveyed on their preferences at the beginning and end of the semester. At the end of the semester, the majority of students in the classroom group preferred classroom or blended delivery while the majority of students in the online group preferred blended or online delivery (p<0.01). Student performance was compared at the end of the semester. There was no significant difference for any of the grades in the course between the 2 sections. Conclusion. There was no difference in student performance between the classroom and online sections, suggesting that online delivery is an effective way to teach students about immunization.

A model for partnering first-year student pharmacists with community-based older adults.

Objectives. To design, integrate, and assess the effectiveness of an introductory pharmacy practice experience intended to redefine first-year student pharmacists’ views on aging and medication use through their work with a healthy, community-based older-adult population. Design. All students (N = 273) completed live skills training in an 8-hour boot camp provided during orientation week. Teams were assigned an independently living senior partner, completed 10 visits and reflections, and documented health-related information using an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio). Assessment. As determined by pre- and post-experience survey instruments, students gained significant confidence in 7 skill areas related to communication, medication interviews, involving the partner in health care, and applying patient-care skills. Student reflections, in-class presentations, and e-portfolios documented that personal attitudes toward seniors changed over time. Senior partners enjoyed mentoring and interacting with students and many experienced health improvements as a result of the interaction. Conclusions. The model for partnering first-year student pharmacists with community-based older adults improved students’ skills and fostered their connections to pharmacist roles and growth as person-centered providers.

Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy Laboratory Revisions Implemented to Reduce Cost

Objectives. To revise a pharmacotherapy-laboratory curriculum to decrease course expenditures while maintaining a quality educational experience. Design. Course mapping identified laboratory activities that achieved the defined learning outcomes. Redundant activities were eliminated, and remaining activities not requiring active in-laboratory participation were converted into prelaboratory assignments and simulations. An online course-management system provided a platform for simulations and automated grading. Assessment. An evaluation of economic data showed a 64% and 43% decrease in total course expenditures for Pharmacotherapy Laboratory III and IV, respectively. Although a comparison of examination and course grades before and after redesign revealed a small decrease in grades for the Pharmacotherapy III and IV course, the reasons for this decrease were unclear and could not be directly attributed to the redesign. Comparison of students’ evaluation scores before and after the redesign showed continued high satisfaction with the course. Conclusions. Revisions made to the curriculum for a pharmacotherapy laboratory decreased course expenditures while maintaining the quality of education. The successful redesign was related to several key components including course mapping and enhanced use of technology. A similar revision process can be considered by other colleges and schools of pharmacy facing budgetary reductions.