Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal.
PLoS One. 2007 Jun 13;2(6):e524. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000524.
At the Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal, Pharmacology is taught during the first four semesters of the undergraduate medical course. Personal or P-drug selection is an important exercise. The present study was carried out to obtain student opinion about the P-drug learning sessions, the assessment examinations, and on the small group dynamics.
The practical sessions on P-drug selection are carried out in small groups. Student feedback about the session was obtained using focus group discussions. The focus groups were selected to represent both genders and the three main nationalities, Nepalese, Indians, and Sri Lankans. There were four Nepalese, five Indians, and three Sri Lankans. Within each nationality and gender category the students were randomly selected. The respondents were explained the objectives of the study and were invited to participate. Written informed consent was obtained. The discussion lasted around two hours and was conducted in the afternoon in two groups of six students each. The first author (PRS) acted as a facilitator. The responses were recorded and analyzed qualitatively.
The overall student opinion was positive. Around 25% (3 respondents) of respondents were confused about whether P-drugs were for a disease or a patient. Group consensus was commonly used to give numerical values for the different criteria. The large number of brands created problems in calculating cost. The students wanted more time for the exercise in the examination. Formative assessment during the learning sessions may be considered. The group members usually got along well. Absenteeism was a problem and not all members put in their full effort. The physical working environment should be improved.
Based on what the students say, the sessions on P-drugs should be continued and strengthened. Modifications in the sessions are required. Sessions during the clinical years and internship training can be considered.
在尼泊尔博克拉的玛尼帕尔医学院，药理学在本科医学课程的前四个学期教授。个人或 P 药物选择是一项重要的练习。本研究旨在了解学生对 P 药物学习课程、评估考试以及小组动态的看法。
P 药物选择的实践课程在小组中进行。使用焦点小组讨论获得学生对课程的反馈。选择焦点小组代表了三种主要的民族，尼泊尔人、印度人和斯里兰卡人，以及男女两种性别。有 4 名尼泊尔人、5 名印度人和 3 名斯里兰卡人。在每个民族和性别类别中，学生都是随机选择的。向受访者解释了研究的目的，并邀请他们参加。获得了书面知情同意。讨论持续了大约两个小时，分两组进行，每组六名学生。第一作者（PRS）担任主持人。记录了答复并进行了定性分析。
学生的总体意见是积极的。大约 25%（3 名受访者）的受访者对 P 药物是针对疾病还是患者感到困惑。小组共识通常用于为不同标准赋予数值。大量的品牌在计算成本方面造成了问题。学生希望在考试中为练习留出更多时间。可以考虑在学习课程中进行形成性评估。小组成员通常相处融洽。缺勤是一个问题，并非所有成员都全力以赴。物理工作环境应得到改善。
根据学生的说法，应继续和加强 P 药物课程。需要对课程进行修改。可以考虑在临床学年和实习培训期间开设课程。
