Comparison of the Effectiveness of Three Educational Methods (E-Learning, Lectures and Blended) on Pharmacy Students' Knowledge of Non-Prescription Drugs



Kouti L¹ ; Aghsam Z² ; Bargard MS³ ; Javadi MR⁴ ; Aghakouchakzadeh M¹ ; Eslami K¹
Source: Pharmacy Education Published:2018

Abstract

Introduction: Non-prescription medications are increasingly used all over the world and therefore pharmacists should be able to counsel the patients on their proper use and safety. Pharmacy students take courses in this area and given its importance, teaching innovations and different methods are used by schools and institutions. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of different delivery methods on students’ knowledge of non-prescription drugs. Methods: This interventional study was conducted with pharmacy students at the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in the year 2015-16. In this study, topics were divided into three groups, (lecture-based, electronic teaching and blended approach). At the beginning and end of each session, pre- and post-tests were performed and the students took a final exam at the end of the semester. The mean difference of the final exam scores for topics taught using each method was compared. Students' post-test scores were compared to their pre-tests and analysed. Results: The students' final exam mean scores out of 20 points were: 16.166 ± 0.332 in the e-learning group; 13.751 ± 0.164 in the lecture group, and 16.388 ± 0.195 in the blended methods group. The results showed that the e-learning and blended methods had a more positive effect on the final exam scores for pharmacy students knowledge of nonprescription medication course. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a blended learning method and an e-learning approach can positively influence students’ knowledge towards non-prescription drugs. © 2018 FIP.