Bridging the Research Gap: Assessing the Impact of a Scalable, Required Applied Research Course for Second-Year Student Pharmacists

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Evidence-Based Practice 4 (EBP4): Introduction to Data Analytics, a required 1-semester course for second-year student pharmacists, in providing structured training in cross-sectional medication-use study design and execution using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset, data analysis with IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and results interpretation. Its assessment examined its impact on learning, skills, confidence, and course satisfaction, as well as postcourse research engagement.

Methods

Course impact was evaluated over 3 years (2022–2025) using multiple measures. Knowledge acquisition was measured with 6 proctored quizzes; applied research skills were measured through 4 graded group assignments; and confidence and satisfaction were captured through end-of-course surveys. Long-term impact was assessed through graduating student surveys conducted 2 years postcourse.

Results

Over 90% of students demonstrated learning related to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey design, dataset structure, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences tasks. All student groups successfully completed and submitted every required project component across 3 consecutive course offerings. End-of-course surveys indicated that over 90% of students reported confidence in conducting most research activities, and more than 75% reported that the course exceeded expectations. Two-year follow-up surveys found that at least 73% of graduates engaged in 1 or more related research activities, with over 80% crediting EBP4 as helpful or very helpful preparation.

Conclusions

EBP4 built foundational research competencies, fostered student confidence and satisfaction, and supported long-term research engagement, offering a scalable model to enhance research training in pharmacy curricula.