Student Satisfaction with Pharmacopuncture Education and the Need for Curriculum Improvement.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate students' satisfaction with pharmacopuncture education and associated learning materials, and to identify perceived needs for curriculum and textbook improvement, providing empirical evidence to inform future enhancements in pharmacopuncture education within Korean Medicine (KM) curricula.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among third-year students at the College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, following completion of a pharmacopuncture course. A 15-item online questionnaire assessed pre-course expectations, post-course fulfillment, perceived adequacy of practice opportunities, textbook usefulness, and areas for improvement. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Exploratory logistic regression analyses were conducted for supplementary purposes only. Qualitative data from open-ended responses were analyzed thematically.

Results: Fifty-six students participated in the survey. The mean post-course fulfillment score (8.07 ± 1.62) exceeded the pre-course expectation score (7.57 ± 2.33), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.122). Fulfillment was positively correlated with pre-course expectations (r = 0.317, p = 0.017) and adequacy of class hours (r = 0.387, p = 0.003). Cross-tabulation indicated an association between Hyeolmaek pharmacopuncture (Q10) and fulfillment (p = 0.049), whereas practice-related variables tended to be associated with lower fulfillment. Exploratory regression analyses yielded wide confidence intervals and were therefore not used to draw definitive conclusions. Qualitative findings reinforced these results, particularly highlighting the need for expanded hands-on learning and updated, clinically applicable materials.

Conclusion: Students reported high overall satisfaction with pharmacopuncture education but emphasized the need for expanded practical experience and improvements in learning materials. Enhancing hands-on training and modernizing textbook content to reflect current evidence may improve the quality and relevance of pharmacopuncture education in KM programs.