(145) Evaluating the perception of Artificial Intelligence among the PharmD students in West Virginia University

Objective : The US healthcare system is rapidly evolving with the use Artificial Intelligence (AI), but current research on how to integrate AI in Pharmacy education is being limited. The objective of this study is to offer educational session on AI to PharmD students at our institution, and gain students’ perception on AI.

Methods: A related AI lectures to the topics of drug delivery, pharmaceutical research, and special populations were offered to P1, P2, and P3 students, respectively. During the lecture key concepts of AI and applications to healthcare were developed by an AI expert. Anonymous pre- post- survey with fill the blank, yes/no, multiple-choice questions was offered. Survey questions addressed students’ perceptions as well as familiarity with AI.

Results: A total of 147 students were exposed to the AI lecture, and 34 (85%), 41 (82%) and 31 (54%) of P1, P2, and P3 students, respectively, participated in the pre-survey, while 33 (79%), 15 (26%) and 26 (52%) completed the post-survey. Majority of students did not have any seminar related to AI in the past [94% (P1), 98 % (P2), and 100% (P3)]. Students had low familiarity with the terminology, as well as exposure to AI tools [14% (P1), 9% (P2), 21% (P3)]. After the lecture, all students were able to list at least three AI tools, and 88% (P1), 81%(P2), and 86% (P3) respondents thought AI can used for long term medication managements for chronic diseases.

Conclusions: This pilot project on offering a lecture on AI has revealed students’ interests and needs on AI. Students’ feedback will help to plan upcoming meaningful integration of AI on diverse courses without curriculum hoarding.