Integration of an Internet-based medical chart into a pharmacotherapy lecture series.
OBJECTIVE
To integrate an Internet-based medical chart (IMC) system into a pharmacotherapy course to facilitate evaluation and feedback processes, foster development of written documentation skills, and prepare pharmacy students for future changes in electronic medical documentation systems.


METHODS
An IMC system was introduced into a pharmacotherapy course for third-professional year pharmacy students and 4 "finish the SOAP note" activities were added to the curriculum. Students' performance on the SOAP notes were assessed by a team of evaluators. At the end of the semester, students and evaluators completed separate 6-item survey instruments concerning the usefulness of the IMC system in meeting the course objectives.


RESULTS
Students' performance on documentation activities improved over the course of the semester: 87% of the students avoided repeating previous mistakes by their final documentation activity. The vast majority of the students and evaluators found the system easy to use and the activities helpful.


CONCLUSIONS
The development, implementation, and initial expansion of the IMC system across both laboratory and pharmacotherapy courses was a success. Continued integration into clinical coursework is planned and will further expand opportunities for applied learning experiences to prepare students for their experiential program and beyond.
Brown
Michael C
MC
College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, USA. brown312@umn.edu
Kotlyar
Michael
M
Conway
Jeannine M
JM
Seifert
Randall
R
St Peter
John V
JV
D004358:Drug Therapy; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology