RESEARCH ARTICLE: Impact of using debates in a pharmacoeconomic course on students’ self-reported perceptions of skills acquired

Authors

  • Sinaa Alaqeel King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0571-7230
  • Ahmed Alghamdi King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Bandar Balkhi King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Saja Almazrou King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Shiekha Alaujan King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2021.211.276282

Keywords:

Active learning, Debate, Pharmacoeconomics, Student perceptions

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of debates on students’ perceptions of their (i) ability to read and critically appraise pharmacoeconomic literature and (ii) confidence in synthesising evidence, reaching a decision, and communicating it effectively.

Methods: 77 pharmacoeconomics course students participated in a debate exercise: one team for adding a medication to a formulary and the other against adding. The self-reported perceptions of skills acquired were evaluated via pre- and post-debate questionnaires.

Results: 48 participants completed the pre- and post-debate questionnaires, and 60 completed the perceptions toward the debate activity questionnaire. The number of students who rated their ability to meet course learning objectives as excellent increased significantly after the debate. Also, the students’ perceptions of their confidence in making a decision, critically analysing evidence, and communicating their arguments improved after the debate exercise.

Conclusions: The debate approach is an effective teaching method that can improve students’ perceptions of skills acquired.

Author Biographies

Sinaa Alaqeel, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy

Ahmed Alghamdi, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy

Bandar Balkhi, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy

Saja Almazrou, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy

Shiekha Alaujan, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy

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Published

30-07-2021

How to Cite

Alaqeel, S., Alghamdi, A. ., Balkhi, B. ., Almazrou, S. ., & Alaujan, S. . (2021). RESEARCH ARTICLE: Impact of using debates in a pharmacoeconomic course on students’ self-reported perceptions of skills acquired. Pharmacy Education, 21, p. 276–282. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2021.211.276282

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Research Article