(26) A Pre-Matriculation Pharmacy Calculations Module Enhances Student Performance in First Year Pharmacy Calculations Course

Objective :

Objective: The P-zero (P0) program was implemented in the summer of 2022 to enhance the preparedness and academic performance of incoming P1 students. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pharmacy calculations module of the P0 preparation program on the academic performance of first-year (P1) pharmacy students in the core calculations course offered in the fall.

Methods:

Methods: The calculations module of the P0 program is online and self-paced mini-course of fundamental mathematical concepts relevant to pharmacy and includes a mandatory summative assessment. Class averages in individual exams, final course averages, and failures in calculations course were compared between the experiences of the 2021 P1 cohort to the 2022 P1 cohort which had the P0 mini-course. The effectiveness of the calculations module was assessed through P0 pre-and post-implementation surveys and a post-semester fall survey.

Results:

Results: The calculations module was the most beneficial component of the P0 experience, as observed by 64% of students in the post-semester survey. The class average of the P1 2021 cohort for fall calculations exam one was 83.6% (±4.22%) with eighteen students failing. In contrast, the class average on the exam by the 2022 P1 cohort was 88.8% (±2.56%) with only five students failing. Moreover, total course failures were substantially reduced from 27.4% (2021) to 4.5% (2022). Overall course averages in the fall calculations course were significantly enhanced by a 6.6% increase for the P1 2022 cohort (t-test, p<.001).

Conclusions:

Conclusions: The P0 calculations module was identified as an effective means of enhancing the mathematical skills of incoming Pharm.D. students. The P0 module also significantly contributed to improved student performance and success in the fall P1 Calculations course.