Development of PharmTest: a unique personal computer-mediated tool for assessment of pharmacology

This report concerns the development of an assessment* model (PharmTest) for further evaluation by academic pharmacologists. The content area chosen for this model is the pharmacology of affective disorders. The components of the PharmTest system are: 1) a cognitive map of the content area used to develop the learning objectives (Figure): 2) both lower- and higher-level objectives developed jointly by basic and clinical faculty; 3) a bank of multiple choice questions (MCQ) judged to be congruent to the objectives by an expert panel; 4) a software program (SP) to manage the testing process; and 5) an annotated self-study document to aid students in their review after computer self-testing. PharmTest is designed to assist faculty in producing tests, making possible student self-testing and study. PharmTest was developed during a 6-month cooperative project between a faculty member from the University of North Carolina (HJB) and faculty of the University of Dundee. This report presents the learning objectives and cognitive map developed for the model content topic of "Pharmacology of Affective Disorders." Also it suggests a recipe for development of other content areas of pharmacology based on this project. Also, it presents the development process for PharmTest. Finally a plan for collecting evaluation data from academic pharmacology faculty is presented. Implications of the increased efficiency to faculty in linking learning objectives and testing are discussed, and a suggestion is made for national evaluation of learning in pharmacology.