Integration of Basic and Clinical Science Courses in US PharmD Programs.
Objective.To determine the current status of and faculty perceptions regarding integration of basic and clinical science courses in US pharmacy programs.Methods.A 25-item survey instrument was developed and distributed to 132 doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) programs. Survey data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Thematic analysis of text-based comments was performed using the constant comparison method.Results.One hundred twelve programs responded for a response rate of 85%. Seventy-eight (70%) offered integrated basic and clinical science courses. The types of integration included: full integration with merging disciplinary contents (n=25), coordinated delivery of disciplinary contents (n=50), and standalone courses with integrated laboratory (n=3). Faculty perceptions of course integration were positive. Themes that emerged from text-based comments included positive learning experiences as well as the challenges, opportunities, and skepticism associated with course integration.Conclusion.The results suggest wide variations in the design and implementation of integrated courses among US pharmacy programs. Faculty training and buy-in play a significant role in successful implementation of curricular integration.
West Coast University School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, California.
Mohammed A
MA
Islam
Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, the University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas.
Rahmat M
RM
Talukder
West Coast University School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, California.
Reza
R
Taheri
West Coast University School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, California; Affiliation at time of study. Dr. Blanchard's current affiliation is with Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Wingate, North Carolina.
Nicholas
N
Blanchard
D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004514:Education, Pharmacy, Graduate; D000071216:Faculty, Pharmacy; D007753:Laboratories; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
basic sciences; clinical sciences; curriculum; integration; pharmacy education