Evaluation of a computer simulation in a therapeutic case discussion,” ibid

Acknowledging computers as a valuable learning tool, we designed an interactive computer program, using the Adventure Game Toolkit. The program was a case presentation of a patient with open-angle glaucoma. Students were instructed to use their knowledge of glaucoma and the various topical agents on the computer program’s “formulary ” to “treat ” the patient appropriately. Forty-eight students enrolled in PhPr 475c (Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics) at The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy were randomized. Twenty-four students completed the computer program while the remaining 24 students completed a similar case presentation on paper, according to the standard practice for that course. A ten-item quiz was subsequently administered to the two groups and the scores were analyzed using an independent t-test. We found no significant differences and concluded that the computer simulation was as effective as the case presentation on paper and recommend that further work be done in this area to allow instructors of pharmacotherapeutics courses another instructional option