Leveraging Case-Based Learning Exercises in Pharmacology Courses to Promote AI Readiness Among Student Pharmacists

This study aimed to improve student pharmacists' confidence and metacognitive awareness in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools through case-based learning in pharmacology. Generative AI tools were integrated into pharmacology coursework to foster AI readiness, guiding students to triangulate AI-derived information with evidence-based drug information resources.

Second-year student pharmacists (P2) from 3 colleges of pharmacy completed 2 case-based assignments in their pharmacology courses. Upon orientation to effective prompt writing, students gathered AI-generated pharmacological information and verified it using evidence-based drug references. Pre and postintervention surveys assessed students' confidence in using AI tools, whereas a metacognition survey (Metacognitive Awareness Inventory) evaluated their planning, monitoring, debugging, and evaluation skills.

Eighty-five students (66%) completed the preintervention survey, and 59 (46%) completed the postintervention survey. Overall confidence in using AI tools significantly increased from 64.0 ± 12.9% to 89.4 ± 3.1%. Metacognition survey results showed that most students (74.6% to 94.9%) planned, monitored, debugged, and evaluated use of AI; notably, 94.5% identified strategies they would reuse. Students identified academic integrity concerns (69.5%), reliability (52.5%), and ethical issues (50.8%) as primary barriers to AI adoption. Students indicated their likelihood to use AI for concept comprehension and generating study guides. They recommended additional AI training in course activities and clear academic integrity guidelines to support AI use in pharmacy education.

Leveraging case-based assignments to foster AI competency can effectively help student pharmacists gain confidence and metacognitive skills. Addressing concerns about academic integrity and reliability will be essential for the effective adoption of AI in pharmacy curricula.