Improving Knowledge of Top 200 Medications Through Retrieval Practice, Content Alignment, and Autonomous Learning

Objective. To determine the impact of the holistic redesign of top 200 medications learning activities within a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum by comparing student performances on a comprehensive examination before and after the redesign. Methods. During a curricular revision at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy that began with the class of 2020, learning activities involving the top 200 medications were implemented that involved repeated retrieval and mastery concepts, alignment with therapeutic coursework, and autonomous learning regarding the top 200 medications. A high-stakes comprehensive top 200 medications examination was administered to students at the end of their third professional year both before and after implementation of these activities. The difference in the percentage of students who achieved a satisfactory score on the comprehensive examination was compared between cohorts prior to and following the curricular redesign. Results. The study analyzed results from 134, 130, and 120 students from three PharmD classes (one before and two after the redesign of top 200 medications activities). Following the redesign, a higher percentage of students achieved a satisfactory score of 85% on the examination (class of 2020: 116/130, 89.2%; class of 2022: 107/120, 89.2%) compared to before the redesign (class of 2019: 88/134, 65.7%). Conclusion. The combination of repeated retrieval and mastery, alignment with therapeutic coursework, and development of autonomous learning can significantly increase student knowledge and retention of top 200 medications.