PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING - A TUTORIAL MODEL INCORPORATING PHARMACEUTICAL DIAGNOSIS

This descriptive report illustrates the philosophy and curricular desi gn of the Idaho State University College of Pharmacy problem-based lea rning (PBL) methodology. A four semester course sequence was initiated in the spring of 1993. The model, originally developed for use in med ical education, features use of an ill-structured problem format and p arallels a well established critical thinking process. The curricular objectives are to: (i) emphasize fundamental basic science concepts; ( ii) develop a systematic process for identifying drug-related problems , termed pharmaceutical diagnosis; (iii) facilitate development of cli nical problem-solving skills prior to clerkship entry (iv) foster deve lopment of team-oriented Interactive communication skills; and (v) inc ulcate a process for life-long learning. An abbreviated case example i s presented to summarize the PBL stages and clinical problem-solving p rocess.