Incorporating an internet-based voicemail drug information assessment in an introductory pharmacy practice course

To examine the implementation and student perceptions of an innovative verbal drug information assessment.

The drug information assignment in an introductory pharmacy practice course was redesigned and an assessment of a verbal response to a drug information request was added with the use of an internet-based voicemail (IBVM) system.

Students performed well on both the verbal vs. written assessments. Most students strongly agreed or agreed that completing both assignments was a valuable experience; however, more students agreed that the verbal assignment was useful (90% vs. 83%). More students agreed that the verbal assignment helped prepare them as a pharmacist (97% vs. 85%) and that the verbal assignment increased their confidence (82% vs. 78%). Student comments echoed these results; additionally, many indicated that the verbal assessment was realistic.

The IBVM assessment was successful, user-friendly, and this mode of assessment may be useful in other courses.