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SmartDrug: an interactive student e-formulary

Version 2 2023-06-06, 09:57
Version 1 2023-06-06, 09:42
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posted on 2023-06-06, 09:57 authored by L Bissell, T Vincent, C J Taylor, Michael OkorieMichael Okorie
Background and Aim Graduating medical students do not feel confident prescribing and junior doctors have the highest prescribing error rates. This might suggest suboptimal preparation of students by medical schools for this complex task. Prescribing errors are more likely with the most commonly prescribed (core) drugs, the list of which remains stable and clinically relevant over time (1, 2). However, it can be challenging to develop an appropriate mode of delivery of teaching and learning about core drugs that is user friendly and pedagogically effective. In order for students to optimise their familiarity with core drugs, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) introduced a new teaching and learning resource known as SmartDrug. This bespoke interactive student e-formulary maps relevant medicines to clinical rotations and attempts to contextualise their use in clinical practice. Summary of work BSMS core drugs list was compiled following a survey of specialists and GPs on their most commonly prescribed drugs. Relevant scenarios were written for each of the clinical rotations in phase 2 (Years 3 and 4) of the BM BS course. Each clinical scenario includes questions which encourage therapeutic decision making. When the appropriate drug is selected by the student, it is linked to a drug information sheet and by a process of self-directed learning, the student populates the sheet with personalised drug information. The British National Formulary and electronic Medicines Compendium are accessible via this platform. Some unique features of SmartDrug include: instant feedback on therapeutic decision making, mobile-responsive design which enables use on mobile devices and a prescribing tips facility which provides an easily accessible route to personalised notes in a clinical setting. Student evaluation of SmartDrug is planned. Discussion SmartDrug is an interactive resource that attempts to facilitate experiential learning and stimulate medical student engagement in teaching and learning about core drugs. Further development of this resource might include practical electronic prescribing capabilities and linking drugs to appropriate curriculum content. Conclusion This approach to teaching and learning about core drugs might contribute to making medical students safer prescribers which might reduce the prescribing error burden.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Event name

The Future of Safe Prescribing

Event location

Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin

Event type

conference

Event date

29/03/2019

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-04-01

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-03-30

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