The integration of Immunology based Pharmacological elements for Health Sciences education

Abstract

Abstract Health Sciences education supports learning across multiple discipline areas. Appropriate integration of different subject aspects for students when using particular conditions as in-class teaching examples is important. This work highlights the use of integrated teaching approaches within Health Sciences education to support learning of Immunology based Pharmacology elements relevant to the drug design context for the prevention of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). ARF is the body’s autoimmune reaction to an untreated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection of the throat or skin. If a severe, or repeated ARF episodes occur that are left untreated, permanent cardiac damage can occur known as RHD. In the absence of a GAS vaccines, the most effective management plan for ARF/RHD involves painful monthly Benzathine Penicillin G injections for at least 10 years or more. These BPG injections prevent recurrent GAS infections that may trigger ARF and lead to RHD. Adherence to BPG injection regimens remain problematic, and a new Penicillin for ARF/RHD prevention that is less painful and longer lasting, is urgently needed. Local and international research efforts are well underway to support the generation of a new Penicillin for this purpose. When integrated teaching approaches that included online interactive websites were used to support learning of Immunology based Pharmacology elements relevant to the drug design context for ARF/RHD prevention, students demonstrated better in-class engagement, participation and concept understanding, expressing approval and improved confidence with the teaching content.