Evaluating the Accuracy of Health News Publications in a Drug Literature Evaluation Course

Abstract

To design an assignment for second-professional year pharmacy students to assess the accuracy and quality of health information published in the news. Students in a literature evaluation course were assigned a health-related news publication to review and find the original published research article. They then critically evaluated the quality and accuracy of the news publication based on the original research. All students wrote a critique focusing on the quality and accuracy of the news article and potential responses the lay public might have. Eighty-four percent of students agreed the writing assignment reinforced critical literature evaluation skills, while 90% agreed the assignment contributed to completion of course objectives. A writing assignment requiring comparison of a news publication to the original research reinforces critical literature evaluation and communication skills, as well as stimulates thought about the accuracy, quality, and public responses to health information published in the news.