J Educ Eval Health Prof.  2020;17:8. 10.3352/jeehp.2020.17.8.

Integration of computer-simulated practical exercises into undergraduate medical pharmacology education at Mulungushi University, Zambia

• Ezeala CC

• KMID: 2502194
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2020.17.8

Abstract

Purpose
This study was conducted to determine whether a computer simulation of practical exercises in undergraduate medical pharmacology led to the realization of the intended learning outcomes.
Methods
The study was a descriptive analysis of laboratory classes carried out using computer simulation programs. Five programs were used to teach practical pharmacology to undergraduate medical students at the Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The study period was January 2018 to December 2019. The computer programs included a pharmacokinetics simulator (CyberPatient), organ bath simulator (OBSim), AutonomiCAL for simulating autonomic pharmacology, and Virtual Cat and Virtual Rat (RatCVS) for simulating cardiovascular pharmacology. Students utilized these programs during their pharmacology laboratory classes, wrote reports, and answered relevant clinical questions.
Results
The 5 programs provided easy and precise platforms for students to explore concepts and demonstrate knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, autonomic and cardiovascular pharmacology, and their clinical applications.
Conclusion
The programs were effective learning tools. Students’ learning was easily assessed based on their laboratory reports. Although the computer programs met medical students’ learning needs, wet laboratory exercises are also needed to meet the needs of students who require practical laboratory skills.

Keyword

Computer aided learning; Pharmacology; Computer simulation; Undergraduate medical education; Zambia

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Drug distribution in a 1-compartment pharmacokinetic model following intravenous and oral administrations. Cp, plasma concentration.

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  Fig. 2. (A, B) Distribution into 2 compartments following intravenous and oral administrations, respectively. Cp, plasma concentration.

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  Fig. 3. Effects of different absorption rate constants (Ka) on plasma drug concentrations. Cp, plasma concentration.

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  Fig. 4. Comparison of the effects of histamine and carbachol on guinea pig ileum.

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  Fig. 5. Antagonistic effect of mepyramine on histamine stimulation of guinea pig ileum.

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  Fig. 6. (A) Snippet from the organ bath simulator showing the agonistic effect of histamine and antagonism by drug 1. (B) Snippet from the organ bath simulator showing the agonistic effect of histamine, antagonism by drug 1, and no effect by drug 2. (C) Snippet from the organ bath simulator: drugs 2, A, and B have no effect on histamine-induced contraction, while drug C has an antagonistic effect. (D) Snippet from the organ bath simulator: drug 1 has no effect on carbachol-induced contractions, drug 2 has a weak antagonistic effect; and drug A has no effect. (E) Snippet from the organ bath simulator: drug B has no effect on carbachol-induced contractions, and drug C produces a remarkable antagonistic effect.

Reference

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