The impact of a journal scan assignment on advanced pharmacy practice experience students’ confidence in evaluating pharmacy/medical journals in the United States

Authors

  • Maria D Kostka-Rokosz MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Lana Dvorkin Camiel MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Gary Tataronis MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Tulip Schneider MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts
  • William W McCloskey MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts

Keywords:

Experiential Education, Journal Scan, Literature Evaluation

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate how a journal scan assignment improves students’ overall confidence and comfort in discussing journals.

Method: Pharmacy students in the fourth professional year (PY4) selected a journal and evaluated scope of coverage, nature of articles and advertisements.

Results: Students completed an anonymous pre (n=42) and post (n=41) assignment survey. Sixty-four per cent subscribed to journals, 5% reported reading the entire issue “often”. Students could describe at least one topic section (33% pre, 98% post; p=0.001), what is found in the original contribution/research section (33% pre, 88% post; p=0.001), review section (38% pre, 90% post; p=0.001), editorial section (26% pre, 71% post; p=0.001) and patient pages (10% pre, 66% post; p=0.001), could identify quality of the journal based on advertisements (12% pre, 83% post; p=0.001) and could discuss journals with colleagues (14% pre, 68% post; p=0.001).

Conclusion: The journal scan assignment was well received and increased students’ knowledge of journal elements, topic sections and confidence discussing journals with colleagues. 

Author Biographies

Maria D Kostka-Rokosz, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts

Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Pharmacy-Boston

Lana Dvorkin Camiel, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts

Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy-Boston

Gary Tataronis, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts

Associate Professor of Statistics and Mathematics, School of Arts and Sciences

Tulip Schneider, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts

Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmacy Practice

William W McCloskey, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts

Professor and Vice-Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice

 

References

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American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. (2013). Center for the advancement of pharmacy education educational outcomes (online). Available at: http://www. aacp.org/resources/education/cape/Open%20Access%20 Documents/CAPEoutcomes2013.pdf. Accessed 13th June, 2016.

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Sathe, N.A., Grady, J.L. & Giuse, N.B. (2002). Print versus electronic journals: A preliminary investigation into the effect of journal format on research processes. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 90(2), 235-243.

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Published

30-07-2016

How to Cite

Kostka-Rokosz, M. D., Camiel, L. D., Tataronis, G., Schneider, T., & McCloskey, W. W. (2016). The impact of a journal scan assignment on advanced pharmacy practice experience students’ confidence in evaluating pharmacy/medical journals in the United States. Pharmacy Education, 16. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/492

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Section

Research Article