Review Process for an Entry-level Degree Program in Pharmacy: A Successful Approach

Abstract

This paper describes the evaluation and review process conducted at the University of Montreal for the bachelor of pharmacy program. The study assessed the successful implementation of the program's educational objectives across the new curriculum. The assessment involved revisiting the educational objectives, describing the teaching and evaluation methods, evaluating the pro gram strengths and weaknesses perceived by faculty and students and investigating student's academic workload. The analysis indicated that objectives related to intellectual skills were emphasized in all disciplines while objectives related to attitudes were weakest. The majority of teaching methods used a combination of lectures and low problem solving. Problem complexity could be increased to improve knowledge integration across disciplines. The workload analysis revealed that students allocate less hours per week than the recommended standard and that a better balance between semesters should be reached. Based on the information gathered, the academic policy committee, in collaboration with faculty members devised an effective tool to modify the program; the tool included an efficient reporting and recording procedure, a plan of action and an implementation schedule. The evaluation and subsequent modification process allocated clear responsibilities and used a step-by-step methodology that allowed all stakeholders to participate. The approach resulted in a broad buy-in and successful improvement of the program.