The Relationship Among Pharmacy Students' Basic Math Scores, Traditional Preadmission Indicators, and Performance in a Pharmaceutical Calculations Course
Assistant Professor David A. Latif M.B.A. and Ph.D.pages: 17 - 29
- DOI: 10.1300/J060v10n01_02
- Version of record first published: 30Sep2003
Abstract:
Basic mathematical skills are needed for both success in pharmacy school and success in pharmacy practice. Most pharmaceutical calculations require a requisite basic mathematics skill set. Examples include individualized patient dosing, extemporaneous compounding of new formulations, and an assurance that the precise supply of drug is dispensed in accordance with its directions for use.
The present investigation had three objectives. The first objective was to assess the relationship between the basic math skills (BMS) of two classes of first-year pharmacy students at a small Southeastern school of pharmacy and their performance in a pharmaceutical calculations course (PCC) taken during the students' first professional year. The second objective was to evaluate the convergent validity of the Basic Math Skills Test (BMST) with traditional measures of success in pharmacy school. The final objective was to assess the predictive ability of the BMST and traditional measures of academic performance on students' performance in the PCC. Results indicate the following: (1) that there is a significant relationship in the positive direction between basic math skills and performance in a pharmaceutical calculations class, (2) that scores on the BMST are significantly correlated with traditional measures of success in pharmacy school, and (3) that the predictive model including traditional measures of academic success significantly increased predictability of success in the PCC. The results are discussed within the framework of implications and possible solutions to identify and bolster those students who are deficient in basic math.