Patient assessment teaching and learning in undergraduate pharmacy curriculum: students’ perspective of a pharmacist-physician instructional strategy

Authors

  • Ahmed Awaisu Qatar University
  • Shane Pawluk Qatar University

Keywords:

Instruction, Patient Assessment, Pharmacist-Physician, Pharmacy, Physical Assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacy programmes commonly use physicians, nurses, and physician assistants as instructors of patient assessment courses. These are often questioned to be physician-focused. The aim of this study was to assess pharmacy students’ attitude and perceptions towards implemented changes to the instruction of a patient assessment course.

Description of Course: In a patient assessment course for undergraduate pharmacy students, we introduced a physician- pharmacist instructional strategy with a view to ensure relevance to and application in pharmacy practice.

Evaluation: A significantly greater proportion of the pharmacy students rated their skills as above average to excellent after the pharmacist’s instruction when compared to prior instruction with a physician only (75%, n=18 vs. 42%, n=10, respectively; p=0.010). Similarly, most respondents (83%, n=20) rated their understanding of the importance of patient assessment skills as above average to excellent after the inclusion of the pharmacist in the course delivery as compared to only 50% (n=12) having such impression prior to the inclusion of the pharmacist (p=0.004).

Future Plans: A collaborative physician-pharmacist model of teaching patient assessment is feasible, may potentially improve outcomes towards learning the skills of patient assessment, and should be continued in this programme. 

Author Biographies

Ahmed Awaisu, Qatar University

Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy

Shane Pawluk, Qatar University

College of Pharmacy

References

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Published

18-06-2015

How to Cite

Awaisu, A., & Pawluk, S. (2015). Patient assessment teaching and learning in undergraduate pharmacy curriculum: students’ perspective of a pharmacist-physician instructional strategy. Pharmacy Education, 15. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/344

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Section

Research Article