Using Team-Based Learning to Train Student Pharmacists to Perform Tuberculin Skin Testing

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Effective training in diagnostic procedures like the tuberculin skin test (TST) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
• Traditional laboratory courses may not fully equip students with the practical skills and confidence needed for patient-facing procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a team-based learning (TBL) model for training student pharmacists in TST administration and interpretation.
• To evaluate student pharmacists' self-perceived achievement of learning objectives and their opinions on the TBL experience.

Main Methods:

• A team-based learning (TBL) approach was implemented for TST training in a second-year patient care laboratory course for 120 student pharmacists.
• A 10-item TST Learning Opinion Survey assessed learning objectives, TBL experience, and future practice interest.

Main Results:

• All 120 student pharmacists met competency standards for TST administration and interpretation.
• A majority of surveyed students reported TBL improved their proficiency, confidence, and communication skills related to TST.
• Students agreed TBL enhanced their understanding of pre-laboratory material and proper TST follow-up procedures.

Conclusions:

• The team-based learning (TBL) model successfully enabled student pharmacists to meet TST learning objectives, fostering knowledge and confidence.
• This innovative TBL approach can be replicated to enhance the competency of future pharmacists in providing TST services.