Pharmacy student perceptions on the introduction of clinical case studies solved with Apple mobile devices into a basic health science laboratory

ObjectiveTo describe the incorporation of clinical case studies solved with mobile devices into a basic health laboratory and to report student experiences and perceptions of these case studies.MethodsFirst-year pharmacy students in a basic health sciences laboratory were given a description of a patient, which included symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results. Using only their Apple mobile devices (iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone) as a resource, the students diagnosed the patient and then explained the symptoms, risk factors, pathophysiology, and common treatments. A paper-based survey was administered to 88 pharmacy students to assess their experiences and perceptions of the use of their mobile devices to solve the case studies.ResultsThe response rate of the survey was 100%. Over 80% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that the incorporation of patient case studies solved with mobile devices into the laboratory increased their perceived understanding of the lab material, patient symptoms, pathophysiology, and treatments. Overall, 97% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that the use of mobile devices by pharmacists has the potential to improve patient health care.ConclusionsThe incorporation of clinical case studies solved with mobile devices was perceived as helpful to pharmacy students in a basic science laboratory to increase their understanding of basic science material and related clinical information.