An Elective Course on Current Concepts in Adult Ambulatory Care

Abstract

Objective. To design and evaluate a doctor of pharmacy course exploring disease states commonly encountered in ambulatory care, while applying literature to clinical practice and promoting a continual learning mindset. Design. This elective incorporated a learner-centered teaching approach. Each week, 2 groups of students were assigned a clinical trial to present to their peers. The focus was on clinical application and impact, rather than literature evaluation. A social networking group on Facebook was used to expose students to pharmacy information outside the classroom. Assessment. Student grades were determined by multiple activities: presentations, participation and moderation of the Facebook group, class participation, quiz scores, and quiz question development. Course evaluations served as a qualitative assessment of student learning and perceptions, quizzes were the most objective assessment of student learning, and presentation evaluations were the most directed assessment of course goals. Conclusion. This elective was an innovative approach to teaching ambulatory care that effectively filled a curricular void. Successful attainment of the primary course goals and objectives was demonstrated through course evaluations, surveys, and quiz and presentation scores.

Is Facebook still a suitable technology‐enhanced learning environment? An updated critical review of the literature from 2012 to 2015

“…In a similar vein, several authors reported that the use of Facebook as an LMS had the potential to engage students even in out‐of‐class discussion with instructors and to increase student motivation, peer learning and feedback (Albayrak & Yildirim, ; Bariş & Tosun, ; Geyer, ; Karal et al, ; Miron & Ravid, ; Musa et al, ; O'Bannon, Beard, & Britt, ; O'Bannon, Britt, & Beard, ; Omar, Embi, & Yunus, ; Öztürk, ; Rachtam, Kaewkitipong, & Firpo, ; Rubrico & Hashim, ; Shih, ; Shraim, ; Souleles, ; Staines & Lauchs, ; Stankov, Glavinić, & Krpan, ; Varol, ; Vincent & Weber, ; Wang, Leng, & Lee, ).…”

Students’ Perceptions on a Business Plan Assignment for an Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Elective

“…Previous studies examining pharmacy ambulatory care electives have focused on students' development of clinical skills and therapeutic knowledge, ability to obtain a pharmacy postgraduate residency in ambulatory care, and perceptions on their ability to provide clinical patient care services. 2,3,10,12,13 While clinical knowledge is a crucial component of the pharmacy curriculum, practical problem-solving skills and creative development experience are just as vital to nurturing future professionals and their ability to expand the practice of pharmacy. Our study sought to compare and contrast two methods of business plan delivery for ambulatory care services.…”

“…Unlike other published examples of ambulatory care electives that focus on disease state topics, the focus of the elective courses offered at Butler and Samford is on designing and developing ambulatory care pharmacy services through creating a business plan, assessing and appropriately educating patients, and communicating with other healthcare professionals. 10 Students are also expected to participate in activelearning coursework to further develop skills in communication, problem solving, and interprofessional team collaboration. The content for both programs consists of both lecture and case-based studies.…”