Authentic, unbiased Drug Information (DI) is the key to Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) practice and is largely emphasized in the PharmD curriculum. One of the widely practiced methods in answering patient-specific DI queries is ‘systematic approach’ which has seven clearly defined steps that make the process highly technical and evidence-based. All the major skills required for providing quality DI are tested while answering queries using a systematic approach. One of the indications of readiness to provide drug information service is a thorough understanding of the systematic approach. Team-Based Learning (TBL) is used to achieve this readiness.
On a recent TBL session held on 11 January 2018, four Pharm D students currently undergoing Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotation in ‘Drug information’ were provided with a clinical case having seven clearly defined scenarios. Students were asked to identify the DI answering steps in each of these scenarios and explain the additional work required to make it a more idealistic.
Of the total seven students, two rightly answered all seven scenarios and remaining two had three mistakes each. It was noticeable that the teamwork discussions facilitated good peer learning. Upon discussing each scenario, the group answered all seven scenarios correctly demonstrating their readiness to practice DI. Throughout the DI rotation, the students work independently as well as in a team to solve patient specific DI queries. All students are being evaluated at the midpoint and at the end of the rotation to ensure their fulfillment of the educational outcomes.