INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT Integration of Physical Assessment Within a Pathophysiology Course for Pharmacy

Objective. To determine first-year pharmacy students’ analysis, confidence, and knowledge of patient physical assessment integrated within a pathophysiology curriculum. Design. A prospective quasi-experimental study using validated preand post-surveys and follow-up examinations was conducted to objectively assess the confidence and knowledge of pharmacy students’ physical assessment skills. Assessment. Students’ perceived ability to perform physical assessment techniques improved. Topic mastery was demonstrated by a final comprehensive examination with a composite student class score of 83%. Conclusion. First-year pharmacy students demonstrated acquisition of patient physical assessment skills when integrated into a pathophysiology course.