Using Web-Based Prescription Simulations as an Active Learning Tool in an Integrated Practice Skills Laboratory

This paper describes the development and use of web-based, prescription simulations in the practice skills lab setting. As part of a curricular revision for the Doctor of Pharmacy program at our institution, a single laboratory series (Integrated Lab) was developed, concurrent with the first three years of the four-year professional program. To facilitate active learning in the Integrated Lab, prescription simulations were developed for students using a program developed at Idaho State University College of Pharmacy. Webstudies® is a teaching and assessment tool that presents problem-based learning scenarios for students to explore online. Students are able to probe each case and receive simulated patient, doctor and nurse responses. Retail and hospital pharmacybased, interactive prescription simulations were developed on the Webstudies" platform and used for group exercises in the lab. Student feedback has been very positive regarding the use of the simulations.