Understanding preclerkship medical students' poor performance in prescription writing

Objectives: This study aimed to explore reasons for poor performance in prescription writing stations of the objective structured practical examination [OSPE] and absenteeism in prescription writing sessions among preclerkship medical students at the Arabian Gulf University [AGU] in Manama, Bahrain

Methods: This descriptive study was carried out between September 2014 and June 2015 among 157 preclerkship medical students at AGU. Data were collected using focus group discussions and a questionnaire with closed- and open-ended items

Results: All 157 students participated in the study [response rate: 100.0%]. The most frequently cited reasons for poor performance in OSPE stations were an inability to select the correct drugs [79.6%], treatment duration [69.4%], drug quantity [69.4%] and drug formulation [68.2%]. Additionally, students reported inadequate time for completing the stations [68.8%]. During focus group discussions, students reported other reasons for poor performance, including examination stress and the difficulty of the stations. Absenteeism was attributed to the length of each session [55.4%], lack of interest [50.3%], reliance on peers for information [48.4%] and optional attendance policies [47.1%]. Repetitive material, large group sessions, unmet student expectations and the proximity of the sessions to summative examinations were also indicated to contribute to absenteeism according to open-ended responses or focus group discussions

Conclusion: This study suggests that AGU medical students perform poorly in prescription writing OSPE stations because of inadequate clinical pharmacology knowledge. Participation in prescription writing sessions needs to be enhanced by addressing the concerns identified in this study. Strategies to improve attendance and performance should take into account the learner-teacher relationship

Medical students' perceptions of peer assessment in a problem-based learning curriculum

Peer assessment [PA] is believed to support learning and help students develop both professionally and personally. The aim of this study was to examine medical students' perceptions of intragroup PA in a problem-based learning [PBL] setting. This study was carried out between September and November 2014 and involved six random groups of fourth-year undergraduate medical students [n = 60] enrolled at the Arabian Gulf University in Manama, Bahrain. While working on set tasks within a curriculum unit, each student evaluated a randomly selected peer using an English language adapted assessment tool to measure responsibility and respect, information processing, critical analysis, interaction and collaborative skills. At the end of the unit, students' perceptions of PA were identified using a specifically-designed voluntary and anonymous self-administered questionnaire in English. A total of 55 students participated in the study [response rate: 92%]. The majority of students reported that their learning [60%], attendance [67%], respect towards group members [70%] and participation in group discussions [71%] improved as a result of PA. Regarding problem analysis skills, most participants believed that PA improved their ability to analyse problems [65%], identify learning needs [64%], fulffil tasks related to the analysis of learning needs [72%] and share knowledge within their group [74%]. Lastly, a large proportion of students reported that this form of assessment helped them develop their communication [71%] and self-assessment skills [73%], as well as collaborative abilities [75%]. PA was well accepted by the students in this cohort and led to self-reported improvements in learning, skills, attitudes, engagement and other indicators of personal and professional development. PA was also perceived to have a positive impact on intragroup attitudes

impact of small group case-based learning on traditional pharmacology teaching

This study aimed to measure medical students' perceptions of incorporating small group case-based learning [CBL] in traditional pharmacology lectures. Data were collected from third-year students [N = 68; 57% males, 43% females] at Al Quds University Medical School, Palestine. The students were offered a CBL-incorporated Pharmacology-2 course after they had been taught Pharmacology-1 in the traditional format during the preceding semester. Student attitudes towards the restructured course were examined by a self-administered structured questionnaire. The majority of students thought that CBL was an effective learning tool for them [82%] and that it improved their learning skills [83%], independent learning skills [74%], analytical skills [70%], and their level of preparation for exams [75%]. Most students reported that team discussions addressed lecture objectives [84%]. Regarding cases discussed, most responders said that the cases were appropriate to the lecture topics [96%] and that the time allocated for case discussion was sufficient [86%]. A large proportion of students thought that CBL improved their communication and collaborative skills [68% and 80%, respectively] and ability to work within a team [79%]. Pharmacology-2 course restructuring led to a significant improvement of self-reported student satisfaction, motivation, and engagement

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics prescription trends at a Central West Bank Hospital

We aimed to reliably describe the pattern of outpatient prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] and antibiotics [ATBs] at a central hospital in the West Bank, Palestine. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study investigating a cohort of 2,208 prescriptions ordered by outpatient clinics and the emergency room over one year in Beit Jala Hospital in Bethlehem, West Bank. The orders were analysed for the rate and types of NSAIDs and ATBs utilised, and the appropriateness of these drugs to the diagnosis. Of the total prescriptions, 410 contained NSAIDs [18.6%], including diclofenac [40.2%], low dose aspirin [23.9%], ibuprofen [17.8%] and indomethacin [15.1%]. A minority of these prescriptions contained a combination of these agents [2.5%]. Only one prescription contained cyclooxyeganse-2 inhibitors [0.2%]. The appropriateness of NSAID use to the diagnosis was as follows: appropriate [58.3%], inappropriate [14.4%] and difficult to tell [27.3%]. The rate of ATB use was 30.3% [669 prescriptions]. The ATBs prescribed were amoxicillin [23.3%], augmentin [14.3%], quinolones [12.7%], first and second generation cephalosporins [9.4% and 12.7%, respectively] and macrolides [7.2%]. ATB combinations were identified in 9.4%, with the most common being second-generation cephalopsorins and metronidazole [4.3%]. Regarding the appropriateness of prescribing ATBs according to the diagnosis, it was appropriate in 44.8%, inappropriate in 20.6% and difficult to tell in 34.6% of the prescriptions. These findings revealed a relatively large number and inappropriate utilisation of ATBs and NSAIDs. An interventional programme needs to be adopted to reinforce physicians' knowledge of the rational prescription of these agents