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An active-learning assignment using nonprescription medicines
Diane Nykamp1, Leisa L Marshall, Laurel Ashworth
1College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Mercer University, USA.
Objective:
To create and implement a web-based written assignment to evaluate student's abilities to select appropriate nonprescription medications and recommend therapy.
Design:
Each student developed a patient case study from an assigned condition, made treatment recommendations, and provided patient counseling information using at least 2 nonprescription medicines. The active-learning exercise required students to apply information previously presented in a large classroom setting.
Assessment:
Cases most commonly submitted included therapy for burns, acne, conjunctivitis, lacerations, and poison ivy. One-hundred five students completed a 5-item questionnaire regarding the assignment. The majority of the respondents (51.9%) felt the assignment helped to reinforce course content and 58.1% felt it made them more comfortable with making product recommendations.
Conclusion:
The Personal Pharmacy assignment was an effective learning activity for enhancing student's understanding and appropriate selection of nonprescription medicines.
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