Blended learning course in medical affairs to improve exposure and interest in pharmaceutical industry careers

IF 3.8 4区教育学 Q1 EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.ajpe.2025.101362

Nandini D.P.K. Manne , Gayle A. Brazeau , Craig Kimble

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate students’ knowledge and perceptions of career options and their knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry based on pre-post module quizzes, reflections, and team presentations in a hybrid medical affairs elective certification course.

Methods

A qualitative research design was used to analyze the reflections of 19 students enrolled in the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs Pharmaceutical Industry Training Certificate elective at Marshall University during spring 2023. The course used 7 modules from the Medical Affairs Competency Certificate offered by the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs. Students completed premodule and postmodule quizzes, engaged in discussions with industry professionals, and submitted written reflections on the 5 most significant concepts they learned. Reflections were qualitatively analyzed, whereas a paired sample t test was used to analyze quantitative data from pre-post scores on the module quizzes. A postcourse survey was administered to evaluate the changes in the students’ career preferences in the pharmacy field.

Results

The qualitative analysis identified 17 key concepts, including the breadth of career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, role of medical science liaisons, ethical communication practices, and the importance of diversity in clinical trials. A significant improvement in knowledge was observed across all modules in medical affairs, with the highest increase observed in the compliance module. A total of 20% of respondents (n = 3/15) reported changing their career choices to pursue a path in the pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion

The course broadened the students’ knowledge of industrial practices and career opportunities. The structured approach and professional engagement offered valuable insights, enabling student exploration, and influencing career choices.

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医学事务混合式学习课程，提高对制药行业职业的了解和兴趣。

目的：本研究旨在评估学生对职业选择和制药行业知识的认知和看法，基于混合医疗事务选修证书课程的岗前模块测验、反思和团队演示。方法：采用质性研究设计分析马歇尔大学2023年春季医学事务认证委员会（ACMA）制药业培训证书选修课19名学生的反思。本课程采用ACMA提供的医疗事务胜任资格证书（MACC）中的七个模块。学生们完成了模块前和模块后的测验，与行业专业人士进行了讨论，并就所学到的五个最重要的概念提交了书面反思。对反思进行定性分析，对模块测验前得分的定量数据进行配对样本t检验。课程结束后，我们进行了一项调查，以评估学生在药学领域的职业偏好的变化。结果：定性分析确定了17个关键概念，包括制药行业的职业机会广度、医学科学联络人（MSLs）的作用、道德沟通实践以及临床试验多样性的重要性。在医疗事务的所有模块中都观察到知识的显著提高，其中合规模块的提高幅度最大。20%的受访者（n=3/15）表示改变了他们的职业选择，以追求制药行业的道路。结论：本课程拓宽了学生的行业实践知识和就业机会。结构化的方法和专业参与提供了宝贵的见解，使学生能够探索，并影响职业选择。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 医学-学科教育

CiteScore

4.30

自引率

15.20%

发文量

114

期刊介绍： The Journal accepts unsolicited manuscripts that have not been published and are not under consideration for publication elsewhere. The Journal only considers material related to pharmaceutical education for publication. Authors must prepare manuscripts to conform to the Journal style (Author Instructions). All manuscripts are subject to peer review and approval by the editor prior to acceptance for publication. Reviewers are assigned by the editor with the advice of the editorial board as needed. Manuscripts are submitted and processed online (Submit a Manuscript) using Editorial Manager, an online manuscript tracking system that facilitates communication between the editorial office, editor, associate editors, reviewers, and authors. After a manuscript is accepted, it is scheduled for publication in an upcoming issue of the Journal. All manuscripts are formatted and copyedited, and returned to the author for review and approval of the changes. Approximately 2 weeks prior to publication, the author receives an electronic proof of the article for final review and approval. Authors are not assessed page charges for publication.