A computer-based module for prescribing error instruction.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Patient Safety
• Medication Error Prevention

Background:

• Prescribing errors pose a significant risk to patient safety.
• Effective training is crucial for equipping future pharmacists with error-detection and correction skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a computer-based instructional module in enhancing third-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students' competence in identifying and rectifying prescribing errors.

Main Methods:

• Doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students were randomly assigned to two groups.
• Both groups utilized a computer-based module, including presentations and worksheets.
• Group 1 completed the presentation before worksheet B, while Group 2 completed it after.

Main Results:

• All students demonstrated improvement from worksheet A to worksheet C.
• Significant differences in performance on worksheet B were observed between the groups (p = 0.0014).
• Group 1, viewing the presentation earlier, achieved higher scores on worksheet B (62.5%) compared to Group 2 (50%).

Conclusions:

• The instructional module successfully enhanced pharmacy students' skills in identifying and correcting medication prescribing errors.
• The timing of the educational intervention within the module influenced immediate learning outcomes.