Abstract
The script concordance (SC) test is an assessment tool designed to probe whether knowledge of examinees is efficiently organized for clinical actions. The aim of this study was to develop an SC test, and determine whether it could be used to differentiate novices from expert pharmacists in their ability to carry out clinical actions in the area of diabetes mellitus. The SC test was developed and validated according to guidelines proposed previously. Data analysis was performed using a post-hoc test and ANOVA. The test developed had 31 items. Participants included 54 students, six new graduates, and 16 clinical pharmacists. Average scores and standard deviations for students, new graduates and clinical pharmacists were 18.54 (2.90), 20.27(1.42) and 21.09(2.89), respectively. The group differences were significant (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the SC test could accurately differentiate examinees according to levels of experience. It could be a useful tool to measure students’ progress in the area of diabetes mellitus.
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Notes on contributors
Panrasri Khonputsa
PANRASRI KHONPUTSA, BS Pharmacy, received her degree from Chulalongkorn University of Thailand, her Masters of Science in Medical and Pharmaceutical Research from Vrije Universiteit Brussels in Belgium, and her Masters of Science in Education from the University of Southern California. The Pharmacy SCT was her master's research project.
Kathleen Besinque
KATHLEEN HILL-BESINQUE, PharmD MSEd, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the USC School of Pharmacy and Director of Professional Experience Programs.
Dixie Fisher
DIXIE FISHER, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Education, at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
William C. Gong
WILLIAM C. GONG, PharmD FASHP FCSHP, is the Director, Residency and Fellowship Training and an Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy. He practices and teaches in the area of primary care with an emphasis on diabetes.