Use of web-based learning modules for a general medicine advanced pharmacy practice experience

Abstract

Objective: To implement and assess web based learning modules on baseline pharmacy student knowledge prior to a general medicine advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE).Methods: Three web based learning modules were developed for use prior to a general medicine APPE. Students completed pre-and post-assessments specific to each learning module. Additionally, students completed perception surveys at the conclusion of the APPE to determine the utility of these modules and the impact on student learning experiences.Results: Use of the web-based training (WBT) modules resulted in a statistically significant improvement in post-assessment scores for two of the three modules (p < 0.001). Student participants found the modules easy to use and helpful in APPE preparation.Conclusions: Utilization of a WBT module prior to a general medicine APPE improves baseline knowledge among pharmacy students. IntroductionThe Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) requires all doctorate of pharmacy students to complete advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE). These experiences are structured to provide students with opportunities to apply pharmacotherapy knowledge and develop medication recommendations through direct patient care. Therefore, in order to excel during their APPE year, pharmacy students must have a sound therapeutic baseline. The ACPE Standards and Guidelines highlight specific skills that students must acquire prior to undergoing the APPE year in the Pre-APPE Performance Domains and Abilities Appendix (Appendix D).Students must be able to accurately dispense medications, perform basic patient assessments, demonstrate medication knowledge, identify and assess drug-related problems, act ethically and professionally, and communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.1 The pharmacy curriculum is geared to prepare students for APPE and the workforce, but as therapeutic disease states are covered throughout the curriculum, long periods of time may exist between didactic lectures and application of the knowledge within the experiential setting. Additionally, newly published literature during this time provides additional opportunities to strengthen therapeutic knowledge base prior to APPE. Through reinforcement of didactic coursework before APPE, students will be better prepared for the provision of exceptional patient care with less direct instruction required by preceptors.

Using Team-based Learning to Teach a Hybrid Pharmacokinetics Course Online and in Class

“…In addition, the incorporation of trends such as the use of Web-based learning modules prior to class show particular promise for improving student readiness for skill-based learning. 11 Yet, even with the positive outcomes on learning associated with activelearning methods, many faculty members are reluctant to adapt their courses, wary of student evaluations and the time and effort required to reengineer a course. 12 A review by Howard and Persky reminds us that the process of implementing active-learning in a course, particularly the first implementation, is frequently imperfect but the results often improve with each attempt.…”

Interactive Web-based Learning Modules Prior to General Medicine Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences

“…A pilot study of our research demonstrated use of web-based learning modules in an inpatient general medicine APPE at one health care system. 7 Student knowledge was enhanced through the use of web-based learning, with significant improvement in postintervention scores with 2 of 3 modules. The pilot analysis demonstrated the potential use of web-based learning in preparing students to apply and synthesize knowledge in the clinical setting.…”

“…This can include the use of different levels of learners, team-based precepting, and outside preparation. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Use of web-based learning is one mechanism available to standardize knowledge of key clinical disease states across multiple learning experiences. Web-based learning also provides the ability to assess knowledge prior to the APPE.…”