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Reinforcing Immunology Concepts With Student Pharmacists Through a Point-of-Care Testing Lab
Sarah P Collier1, Sarah F Uroza1
1Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA.
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|June 27, 2025
Summary
Pharmacy students improved immunology knowledge and confidence by using urine pregnancy tests in a lab. This active learning approach connected abstract concepts to patient care and enhanced communication skills.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Immunology
- Laboratory Science
Background:
- Advanced immunology concepts are challenging for pharmacy students.
- A need exists to connect abstract scientific principles to practical patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a first-year laboratory experience for pharmacy students.
- To reinforce immunology concepts using antibodies in action.
- To bridge foundational science with clinical application.
Main Methods:
- First-year pharmacy students participated in a Microbiology and Immunology lab.
- Urine pregnancy tests were utilized to demonstrate immunology principles post-didactic instruction.
- Knowledge, confidence in interpretation, and communication skills were assessed.
Main Results:
- Knowledge performance increased by 20.4% and was sustained.
- Confidence in interpreting results exceeded 90%.
- Patient-friendly explanations of point-of-care (POC) test science averaged an eighth-grade reading level.
Conclusions:
- Active learning with POC testing effectively engaged students with abstract immunology concepts.
- This approach enhanced understanding and communication of scientific principles relevant to patient care.
- POC testing is adaptable to other sciences and offers a cost-effective engagement strategy.
