Design and evaluation of an application-based pharmaceutical calculations review module

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Health Professions Education
• Pharmacology

Background:

• A pharmaceutical calculations course is required for pharmacy students.
• Skills learned in calculations courses can decline over time.
• Application-based learning can enhance skill retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an application-based calculations review module.
• To determine the retention of skills from a pharmaceutical calculations course.
• To evaluate student ability to identify necessary information and their perceptions.

Main Methods:

• Three student cohorts completed an application-based review module after passing a pharmaceutical calculations course.
• The module featured themed stations with calculation problems requiring use of provided resources.
• Students also completed an activity evaluation form.

Main Results:

• The overall average score was 85.1%, with no significant difference between cohorts.
• Cohort 1 performed lower on specific calculation types (dosage, unit conversion, ratio, milliosmoles).
• 96.4% agreed the activity reinforced lecture material, and 90% felt it improved future practice skills.

Conclusions:

• Specific calculation types may need more frequent reinforcement within the curriculum.
• The application-based review module was associated with increased knowledge retention.
• The module positively impacted student perceptions of their calculation abilities for pharmacy practice.