Development and evaluation of an elective course on digital health in pharmacy curriculum.

BACKGROUND

The rapid integration of digital health technologies into pharmacy practice necessitates the development of corresponding competencies within pharmacy education. This study describes the development and evaluation of a novel elective course on digital health designed for professional pharmacy students.

METHODS

The 15-hour elective course was offered to second- and third-professional year pharmacy students and emphasized foundational knowledge, clinical application, ethical reasoning, and digital tool proficiency, with learning objectives mapped to the educational outcomes of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards 2025. Course delivery incorporated active learning methods such as hands-on demonstrations, debates, and case-based assignments. Student learning was assessed through exams, assignments, and implementation activities. Anonymous course evaluation and perception survey was administered at the end of semester, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty students enrolled and completed the course. Course evaluation survey responses (97% response rate) indicated high satisfaction with course organization and instructional methods. Perception findings showed strong endorsement of the course's relevance to modern pharmacy practice and its role in enhancing digital health competencies. Learning objective achievement was assessed by mapping exam questions, assignments, and graded activities to objectives and calculating combined scores. Students with scores > 70% were considered to have met the objective. At least 83% of students met this threshold for all objectives, with 100% achieving it for seven of ten objectives.

CONCLUSION

The elective course effectively supported student learning and preparedness in digital health, aligning with ACPE educational standards and addressing emerging practice needs.