Evaluation of the impact of pharmacist-led therapeutic tutorials on third-year medical students' knowledge and understanding of drugs used in clinical practice

Three cohorts of third-year medical students on clinical placements were compared (n=48). One cohort (study group, n=18) attended a series of therapeutic tutorials led by the pharmacist. The other two cohorts (control group A and control group B) did not. The tutorials focused on using problem-based cases to review the therapeutic management of common medical conditions. The performance of the three cohorts was assessed using a written therapeutics test consisting of multiple-choice questions and problem-based cases. The study group also completed a questionnaire, which sought to obtain their opinions on the tutorials. The study group performed significantly better than control group A and control group B in both the multiple-choice questions and problem-based cases (p<0.05, Student's t-test). The responses to the questionnaires indicated that all students welcomed the opportunity for structured teaching of therapeutics during their clinical placements. The students identified the need for more teaching of therapeutics in the undergraduate medical curriculum. All the students agreed that the pharmacist was an appropriate person to lead the tutorials.