Journal Title:  Journal of Pharmacy Teaching | Vol:  12 | Issue:  1 | Year:  2005   
Print ISSN:  1044-0054 | Online ISSN:     

Using Formative Content Analysis to Improve Learning Outcomes in a Pharmaceutical Care Course

Assistant Professor Bonnie K. Brown Pharm.D
Terry A. Watkins Pharm.D.

pages: 11 - 22
PDF

Abstract:

The Introduction to Pharmaceutical Care course sequence exposes first-year professional phase (P1) pharmacy students to basic practical knowledge including pharmaceutical calculations, prescription abbreviations and interpretation, and drug information resources. The objective of this study was to compare baseline student knowledge to post-instruction knowledge in content areas of a pharmaceutical care course. A pre- and post-instruction assessment was completed by each student. The results of this evaluation showed that 91% of students would have failed the course prior to instruction, while 88% passed the post-instruction assessment. The effect of previous work experience was also evaluated. The results of this evaluation may be used to improve learning outcomes and potentially focus course content.