Survey of drug information, literature evaluation, and biostatistics curricula among US colleges of pharmacy

Objective

This survey assessed the current status of drug information education among US colleges of pharmacy, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In December 2022, an electronic survey was sent to 140 US colleges of pharmacy. Survey questions assessed curricular content, methods of delivery, and course activities.

Results

One hundred two survey responses were received, which represented 78 colleges. Many colleges reported teaching drug information, literature evaluation, and biostatistics in separate courses, but about half of colleges combine these topics into one or two courses. Most drug information instruction occurred in the first two years of pharmacy school, and most instructional delivery was described as in-person. Didactic lectures were commonly used in drug information courses but about half of colleges also used active learning methods such as flipped classroom/team-based learning. Topics with which students struggled most included critically evaluating medical literature and summarizing basic biostatistics and research design methods. Responding colleges reported some course-related changes in the past five years and some permanent changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Colleges of pharmacy report a variety of course structures and instructional approaches to teach drug information topics. Active learning strategies are used by many colleges. Some colleges reported permanent changes to their drug information teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How best to teach the drug information topics that students struggle with as reported by survey respondents remains an area for future study.