Objective and subjective evaluations of a TV-program versus small group instruction for the Iowa Drug Information...

The purpose of this study was to determine if the TV approach for instructing drug information systems is more efficient in terms of cost and learning effectiveness vs. traditional educational programming. The Iowa Drug Information Service system was selected as a typical representative for a study model. Second professional year pharmacy students (N = 66) were evaluated in a random selection, pre-test post-test, controlled experimental procedure. A 19 minute UTCHS in-house production served as the experimental variable. The control group received equivalent training (time and content) via lecture notes, and on-site practice coaching. Outcomes were assessed according to objective test score criteria and 10 subjective self-rating opinion scales. The data revealed that students subjected to the TV variable achieved significantly better post-exposure test scores (P = 0.002). A one-time cost of +500 was expended for complete TV production and three tapes, resulting in unlimited teaching capacity and recoverable within two years relative to instructor time expenditures for this system. Five of 10 opinion scales were significantly different in comparison, and students clearly preferred traditional teaching over our TV production. This investigation substantiates previous reports from medical disciplines wherein TV was an effective teaching approach but only mildly popular. The repetitive nature of didactic drug information systems training, superior TV outcomes, and cost-effectiveness warrants a mix of TV and limited personalized instruction as a policy approach.