Problem-based learning using the online Medicare Part D Plan Finder tool.

Area of Science:

• Health Policy Education
• Pharmacy Curriculum Development
• Medicare Part D

Background:

• Medicare Part D is a crucial component of prescription drug coverage for beneficiaries.
• Effective patient advocacy requires comprehensive knowledge of Medicare Part D.
• Pharmacy students need practical skills to navigate Medicare resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of didactic and problem-based learning on pharmacy students' understanding of Medicare Part D.
• To evaluate students' proficiency in utilizing the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder tool.
• To gauge changes in students' attitudes toward patient advocacy for Medicare beneficiaries.

Main Methods:

• A pre- and post-course survey was administered to 120 second-year pharmacy students.
• Students completed a case-based exercise using the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder tool.
• Two 90-minute lectures on Medicare Part D were incorporated into a health policy course.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in students' knowledge of Medicare Part D.
• Students demonstrated enhanced ability to accurately use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder tool.
• Positive shifts in attitudes toward patient advocacy for Medicare beneficiaries were noted.

Conclusions:

• Didactic and problem-based learning innovations effectively improved pharmacy students' Medicare Part D knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
• The curriculum's success suggests potential for broader application in pharmacy education.
• Further evaluation is recommended to assess the portability of these innovations to clinical practice and other institutions.