Attitudes of PharmD Students Toward Web-based Versus Paper-based Case Studies on a Cardiology Clerkship

Objectives. The study assessed pharmacy clerkship student attitudes toward a series of cardiology case studies using either a web-based or paper-based format. Methods. Twenty-four cardiology case studies were developed that included patientspecific information followed by a series of self-assessment questions. For the paper-based cases, students were given hardcopies and later met with the instructor to review answers. With the web-based version, students completed cases online and received immediate standardized instructor responses. Results. Thirty-four clerkship students used each format in random order for half of the cases and then completed an evaluation questionnaire. The web-based cases were preferred by 24 students and by more males than females. Among students preferring the paper method, the most commonly identified advantage was convenience. Conclusions. Web-based case studies appear to be a well-accepted method for teaching clerkship students; however, additional strategies are needed to assist students who are not comfortable with computer-based learning.