This dissertation of Adriaan van Doorn describes the development and use of P-scribe, a digital platform designed as both an e-learning and research tool for pharmacotherapy education.
P-scribe focuses on measuring and improving rational prescribing by students, with the goal of enhancing their skills in selecting, choosing and prescribing medications. The research is divided into three parts: the historical development of P-scribe, its current validation and application in education, and the future integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for further improvement.
In the initial phase, a prototype of P-scribe was tested on small groups of students, with results showing that repeated practice using the platform led to better medication choices. Despite some limitations, such as the small sample size, this laid the groundwork for further development of the platform.
The current phase focuses on validating the automatic data tracking tool (DTT), which monitors students' rational prescribing processes. Tests showed that the DTT is reliable and accurate, and it can distinguish between novice and experienced prescribers.
The future of P-scribe involves integrating AI, with promising results in the automatic assessment of prescriptions and open-ended questions. This could reduce the workload for instructors and increase the scalability of pharmacotherapy education. The dissertation demonstrates that P-scribe is a promising platform that can contribute to better education and, ultimately, improved patient care.
