A Team-based Assignment to Integrate Basic Science and Pharmacotherapeutic Principles for Anticancer Agents

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Education

Background:

• Traditional pharmacy curricula often present basic science and pharmacotherapeutic principles separately.
• Integrating these principles is crucial for effective drug therapy management, particularly in complex areas like oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess an active-learning, team-based assignment focused on anticancer agents.
• To evaluate the integration of basic science and pharmacotherapeutic principles in pharmacy students.
• To gauge student perceptions of the assignment's impact on learning.

Main Methods:

• Student teams researched specific anticancer agents, answered guided questions, and presented findings.
• A grading rubric aligned with 2013 College of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) outcomes was used for assessment.
• Student feedback was collected via a survey to evaluate their learning experience.

Main Results:

• Student cohorts achieved an average score of 83% (B range), indicating successful knowledge acquisition.
• Students excelled in professionalism (CAPE Domain 4.4), scoring above average on personal and professional development.
• Survey results indicated students perceived the assignment positively, enhancing their learning and recommending its continuation.

Conclusions:

• The assignment effectively integrated basic science and pharmacotherapeutic principles for anticancer agents.
• It fostered an understanding of therapeutic applications and adverse effect management of anticancer drugs.
• This educational approach can prepare future pharmacists for evolving roles in cancer care.