Impact of Integrated Pharmacology Instruction by Principal Faculty Pharmacists in Two Physician Assistant Programs: A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward integrating pharmacology instruction into physician assistant (PA) programs by dedicated PA faculty pharmacists. Pharmacists train to become medication experts. Incorporating pharmacist instruction in a PA program during the didactic year provides PA students with an early opportunity to experience interprofessional education and interdisciplinary synergy through clinical application. This article presents a retrospective study that aims to evaluate the impact of integrated pharmacology instruction by principal PA faculty pharmacists on student satisfaction and standardized assessment metrics. Student satisfaction was measured by course evaluations and exit/alumni surveys. Standardized metrics included Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating and Assessment Tool and Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam assessments. The findings indicate that having a principal faculty member with specialized expertise in pharmacology has improved the overall course satisfaction, knowledge, and competence of PA students and perceptions of the relevance and effectiveness of pharmacology instruction in their clinical practice. The results of this study support the value of using pharmacist faculty members in PA programs to enhance the quality of pharmacology instruction and ultimately contribute to the success of PA students in their professional careers.