Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:17
Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Published on: November 15, 2024
A comparison of pharmacy students' confidence and test performance
Connie A Valdez1, David Thompson, Heather Ulrich
1University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, USA. connie.valdez@UCHSC.edu
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|December 1, 2006
Summary
Pharmacy students showed declining knowledge retention regarding hypertension and dyslipidemia management over four months, despite reporting high clinical confidence. Actual knowledge did not align with perceived confidence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Effective management of hypertension and dyslipidemia is crucial in patient care.
- Assessing knowledge retention and clinical confidence in pharmacy students is vital for ensuring future practitioner competence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate knowledge retention of hypertension and dyslipidemia management in second-year pharmacy students.
- To measure students' clinical confidence in managing these conditions.
- To determine the correlation between clinical confidence and knowledge assessment performance.
Main Methods:
- A sequential cross-sectional study design was employed.
- A 12-item clinical confidence questionnaire assessed student self-perceived competence.
- A 21-question knowledge assessment test evaluated knowledge retention, with questions aligned to the confidence survey.
Main Results:
- Knowledge retention decreased significantly over a four-month period (70.4% to 60.9%, p=0.02).
- Students reported moderate to high clinical confidence across all assessed areas.
- No significant correlation was found between confidence levels and correct answer proportions on the knowledge test.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacy student knowledge retention in managing hypertension and dyslipidemia declines within four months.
- Students' perceived clinical confidence often exceeds their actual knowledge level.
- Educational interventions may be needed to bridge the gap between confidence and competence.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Comparing Experimental Results: Student's t-Test
The t-test is a statistical method used to compare the sample mean with a population mean or compare two means from two data sets. The test statistic is calculated from the standard deviation, mean, and number of measurements in the data set at a selected confidence interval and then compared to a table of critical values at this confidence level. If the test statistic is smaller than the critical value, the null hypothesis is accepted. In this case, we state that the difference between the...
03:37Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision
Scientists typically make repeated measurements of a quantity to ensure the quality of their findings and to evaluate both the precision and the accuracy of their results. Measurements are said to be precise if they yield very similar results when repeated in the same manner. A measurement is considered accurate if it yields a result that is very close to the true or the accepted value. Precise values agree with each other; accurate values agree with a true value.
01:29Reliability and Validity
Reliability and validity are two important considerations that must be made with any type of data collection. Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result. In the context of psychological research, this would mean that any instruments or tools used to collect data do so in consistent, reproducible ways.
01:16Bioequivalence Data: Statistical Interpretation
The statistical interpretation of bioequivalence data is a significant aspect of pharmaceutical research. Bioequivalence refers to the absence of any significant difference in the rate and extent to which the active ingredient in pharmaceutical products becomes available at the site of drug action when administered at the same molar dose under similar conditions. This helps determine if different drug products have similar absorption rates, ensuring their interchangeability.Statistical...
01:14Drug Dissolution: Requirements and Profile Comparison
The acceptance criteria for dissolution profile data are anchored in Q values, representing the percentage of drug dissolved within a specified period. This assessment unfolds in three stages:First Stage: The test passes if all six drug dosage units are equal to or greater than Q plus 5%; otherwise, the sample proceeds to the second stage.Second Stage: The average of twelve units must be equal to or greater than Q, with no unit falling below Q - 15% to pass; if not, it progresses to the final...
01:20Drug Product Performance: In Vitro–In Vivo Correlation
In pharmaceutical development, it's crucial to establish a predictive in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) for two or more formulations to gain a comprehensive understanding of release properties. IVIVC reduces the need for costly in vivo studies and facilitates the establishment of meaningful dissolution specifications with significant cost savings and decreased regulatory burden. Furthermore, a meaningful IVIVC should predict Cmax and AUC within 20%, aligning with FDA guidance while adhering...