Cohort July 2022: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences – Nicoline Bihelek, Marie Dai, Madailein Schuckel, Indraj Uppal, Elizabeth Chan, Olivia Lee, Andrea Busse, Larry Leung
Project background
The “Building Resources and Assessments in Neurology (BRAIN)” Project is a student-led initiative aimed at improving teaching and learning of complex pharmacotherapy topics in neurology, by developing resources and assessments that appeal to a diverse pharmacy student audience. The neurology module requires students to have a strong understanding of neuroscience fundamentals on top of which they will build on concepts of pharmacotherapy. Students have indicated that the pharmacotherapy material is complex and many struggle with its application in real-life patient care scenarios. This content has been traditionally delivered using PowerPoint lectures, resulting in more static material that lacks student-instructor engagement and the ability to connect with different student learning preferences.
Project overview
The purpose of the BRAIN Project is to work in partnership to develop the following resources and assessments to better support student learning and the application of knowledge in real-world settings. The BRAIN Project will consist of the following pillars:
- Pharmacotherapy overview videos and visual notes
- Case walkthrough videos
- Study notes
- Exam preparation sessions
- Open-ended case questions
- Optional study sessions
- Patient educator sessions
Objectives
The project will aim to accomplish the following objectives:
- Development of a BRAIN framework for the neurology module
- Implementation of BRAIN framework across three neurology topics
- Evaluation of the BRAIN framework and six pillars
- Analysis and development of report for key findings
- Dissemination of knowledge to key faculty and staff stakeholders and student body
Potential impact
- Offer student partners experience in the development, delivery and evaluation of a course and course materials.
- Provide an opportunity for students who struggle with course material to create content that is understandable for them, and to learn tools for adapting content to their needs.
- Improve faculty development through the dissemination of findings.
- Meet the need identified by students and faculty to develop real-world clinical skills.