Integrating neurotransmitter-based organization and case-based checkpoints in CNS pharmacotherapy: An innovative
Mohammed F Salahuddin1, Michael Ong2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, Notre Dame of Maryland University, MD 21210, United States of America.
Introduction:
Central Nervous System (CNS) pharmacotherapy presents substantial cognitive challenges for pharmacy students, characterized by complex mechanisms and therapeutic decision-making demands. Traditional curricular designs often exacerbate cognitive overload, hindering integrative learning. This study evaluated an innovative curricular redesign integrating neurotransmitter-based content organization and structured formative checkpoints, guided explicitly by Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) principles and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards 2025.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental mixed-methods approach compared two consecutive cohorts of third-year PharmD students. Perception surveys were completed by Spring 2024 (n = 31) and Spring 2025 (n = 26) students, while objective exam data were analyzed for all enrolled students (Spring 2024, n = 40; Spring 2025, n = 31). The 2025 course redesign clustered therapeutic topics by neurotransmitter pathways (dopamine, serotonin, GABA) and included formative, summative and non-graded checkpoints. Quantitative measures involved pre- and post-course surveys and cohort-level exam outcomes; paired and independent t-tests evaluated changes, and Cohen's d quantified effect size. Qualitative thematic analysis using inductive coding evaluated open-ended reflections on clinical preparedness and integrative learning.
Results:
Both cohorts showed substantial pre-to-post improvements (2024: d = 1.77; 2025: d = 1.74). Cohort-level exam means modestly increased (+1.1 percentage points overall), with early-unit gains of +6 points on Exam 1 and + 2 points on Exam 3, indicating stable or slightly improved achievement under the redesigned structure. Qualitative feedback highlighted enhanced integration of mechanisms with therapeutic application and reduced cognitive overload.
Conclusion:
The CLT-guided redesign demonstrated both perceptual and objective educational benefits, offering a replicable model that operationalizes ACPE Standards 2, 5, and 7 while improving conceptual transfer and clinical readiness in pharmacotherapy education.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
Integration of Synaptic Events
Drug Administration and Therapy Phases: Overview
The pharmaceutical phase focuses on leveraging the physicochemical properties of the drug to design and manufacture an effective product. Variants include orally administered tablets or capsules, topical creams or ointments, and parenteral-delivery solutions or emulsions.
The pharmacokinetic phase...


