Scientific Poster Session III - Original Research

Original Research
  Monday, October 14, 2024
  01:00 PM–02:30 PM

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacists are often the last line of defense from medical errors caused by inaccurate calculations. Effective teaching and assessment of pharmaceutical calculations is essential in preparing students for successful pharmacy careers.

Research Question or Hypothesis: This study aimed to elucidate the potential benefit of self-testing practice questions on final examination performance in a first-year pharmaceutical calculations course.

Study Design: Students were given access to 110 online practice calculation questions, in the form of 4 quizzes, eight days prior to the final examination. The date of first access, number of attempts, and best quiz percentage, as well as final examination score, for each student was recorded.

Methods: Retrospective analysis using Spearman’s Rho calculation and an Unpaired T-test was used to assess the effect of self-study practice questions on exam performance.

Results: A greater number of attempts on practice questions correlated with a higher score on the final examination for the class of 2026, but not the class of 2027. Furthermore, superior performance on practice questions was linked to enhanced final examination scores for both the class of 2026 and 2027. Also, an earlier first access date was associated with higher final examination scores specifically for the class of 2026.

Conclusion: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the use of practice calculation questions on final examination performance, and results reveal that the utilization of practice calculation questions positively correlates with improved final examination performance, notably observed in the class of 2026 but not in 2027. These findings suggest the potential efficacy of this preparatory method across various pharmaceutical courses and other calculation-based disciplines internationally.

Presenting Author

Henry Brosch none
Northeast Ohio Medical University

Authors

Mary E. Fredrickson Pharm.D.
St. Elizabeth Health Center

Ryoichi Fujiwara Pharm.D. & Ph.D.
Northeast Ohio Medical University

Stefanie Juzkiw Associate of Science
Northeast Ohio Medical University

Andrew McMillen BS in Biochemistry
Northeast Ohio Medical University

Kirolos Zakhary BS in Biology
Northeast Ohio Medical University