Role-play preceded by fieldwork in pharmacology teaching

摘要

What problem were addressed? Pharmacology teaching in Brazil, as in many other countries, concentrates on theoretical knowledge about drugs, often ignoring the practical aspects of their use. Pharmacology, still considered a discipline of basic science, is offered in the early stages of education and students are encouraged to memorise information about drugs without the benefit of knowing the clinical context. The textbooks traditionally used in the discipline focus on drug information content, which has made relevant variables — such as the context of use, cost-effectiveness, and other aspects essential to professional practice - obscure for many students. The task of teaching the skills necessary for the safe and effective use of medicines represents a challenge for medical schools. Pharmacology teaching strategies should be reconsidered and better aligned with appropriate learning theories.