‘R’ you ready to save time? Using R to facilitate question creation in a pharmaceutical calculations course

Abstract

Background and purposePharmacists are expected to perform quick and accurate calculations throughout their careers. To achieve a proficient skill level, student pharmacists need ample and varied opportunities to practice pharmaceutical calculations. However, the creation of practice modalities can be time-consuming and labor-intensive for instructors. Educational activity and settingWe used the statistical analysis programming language R to create an efficient method to generate multiple variations of existing calculation questions. The method was evaluated with a group of student pharmacists as part of an 11-week calculations course. FindingsThis process can be challenging to set up initially. The method was able to generate over 100 variations of each calculation question. The student pharmacists who participated in the pilot study found the method to be easy to use and helpful for practicing pharmaceutical calculations. SummaryWe have developed an efficient method to generate multiple variations of existing calculation questions. This method can be used to create practice modalities that are more varied and challenging, which can help student pharmacists develop the skills they need to perform accurate calculations in their future careers.