Title
Implementation and Evaluation of a Student-Led, Online, Longitudinal Outpatient Case Elective
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Shields KM, Sobota KF, Kroustos KR, Bright DR, North CL, Kisor DF. Implementation and Evaluation of a Student-Led, Online, Longitudinal Outpatient Case Elective. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. 2013; 5:351-7.
Abstract
Background
Case-based learning (CBL) is one method used in schools and colleges of pharmacy to apply evidence-based medicine and clinical practice guidelines to individual patient care.
Purpose
To describe the implementation and evaluation of a student-led, longitudinal outpatient, case-based learning elective using a web-based communication tool.
Methods
Students from second through fifth (P2–P5) years in the “zero-six” PharmD curriculum assisted faculty members in the development of longitudinal patient cases. P5 PharmD students served as pharmacists to either communication arts or P1 PharmD students, who served as patients. Faculty members assessed communication strategies, accuracy of therapeutic recommendations, and the development of a patient chart.
Results/Discussion
At the end of the 10-week quarter, students reported greater confidence in understanding a variety of therapeutic topics, including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Students reported that they were better prepared for patient counseling as well.
Conclusions
Involvement in the longitudinal outpatient case course improved student preparedness and confidence of clinical knowledge. Incorporation of longitudinal CBL elsewhere in the core pharmacy curriculum could be considered and may be beneficial for student learning.
Publication Date
9-2013
DOI
10.1016/j.cptl.2013.06.015