The Teaching and Learning of Pharmacokinetic Subjects to Pharmacy Students: Review of Teaching Strategies

Abstract

A strong foundation in pharmacokinetics is essential not only to provide effective therapeutic outcomes for patients but also crucial to the pharmaceutical industry and the regulation of generic pharmaceuticals. Bioequivalence is an important regulatory concern for a pharmaceutical company in the manufacture of generic drugs. Pharmacokinetics should be mastered by pharmacy students to prepare them for their future careers, particularly in a hospital setting where pharmacists typically play a central role in clinical pharmacokinetics services. However, basic pharmacokinetics is sometimes not well-received by students because of its basis in mathematics and the relative difficulty in connecting basic concepts with clinical relevance. This narrative literature review examines the methodologies employed to teach pharmacokinetics, the move towards computer-aided and distance learning, and the current software systems available to facilitate this. A better understanding of the limitations of current approaches is crucial to take steps to enhance the teaching and learning of such an important subject.