Current Events Project in a Pharmacotherapy Course

Objective

To implement and assess a current events project added to the curriculum of a pharmacotherapy course in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program.

Design

Third-year PharmD students researched a current event topic related to infectious diseases and prepared a written and verbal summary that was presented to their classmates.

Assessment

Scores on course examinations and quizzes to assess students'' knowledge of current events material were equal to or better than non-current events material. Based upon a student self-assessment survey, this active-learning activity increased students'' awareness of current events related to pharmacy practice, and their understanding of the process to prepare and present information to a group in a statistically significant manner. There was a positive but not significant improvement in students'' desire to prepare and present information to a group; ability to evaluate, organize, and present information in a written report; and ability to verbally present material to a group.

Conclusion

The addition of a current events presentation as an active-learning activity significantly increased students'' awareness of current events related to pharmacy practice and their understanding of the process to prepare and present information to a group.