Online virtual-patient cases versus traditional problem-based learning in advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of faculty-led problem-based learning (PBL) vs online simulated-patient case in fourth-year (P4) pharmacy students.


METHODS
Fourth-year pharmacy students were randomly assigned to participate in either online branched-case learning using a virtual simulation platform or a small-group discussion. Preexperience and postexperience student assessments and a survey instrument were completed.


RESULTS
While there were no significant differences in the preexperience test scores between the groups, there was a significant increase in scores in both the virtual-patient group and the PBL group between the preexperience and postexperience tests. The PBL group had higher postexperience test scores (74.8±11.7) than did the virtual-patient group (66.5±13.6) (p=0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The PBL method demonstrated significantly greater improvement in postexperience test scores than did the virtual-patient method. Both were successful learning methods, suggesting that a diverse approach to simulated patient cases may reach more student learning styles.
College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Sara
S
Al-Dahir
College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kendrea
K
Bryant
College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kathleen B
KB
Kennedy
College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Donna S
DS
Robinson
D000328:Adult; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D016544:Patient Simulation; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
pharmacy education; problem-based learning; simulation; virtual patient