(109) Piecing Together Compliance: Implementing the Jigsaw Method in USP 800 Training

Objective : Learning the compounding standards set forth in < USP 797> and < USP 800> are an important part of education on preparation of sterile products. Unfortunately, these chapters are somewhat tedious for students to read and contain a lot of detailed information that leads to a long lecture on the subject. The Jigsaw Method is a collaborative learning method that may be well suited to teaching these chapters. My hypothesis is that using the Jigsaw Method to teach < USP 800> will be more engaging than a traditional lecture and that students will learn the content as well as if given a lecture.

Methods: Students were divided into groups of 4-7 students and each group was assigned a few sections from < USP 800>. The students were given 30 minutes to study their sections and come up with a plan to implement the assigned portions. Within each group individual students worked on different parts of the sections, then put it all together. Each group then came to the front of the class and presented their section and implementation plan.

Results: Student engagement was measured using an in-class survey and learning was assessed by comparing exam scores from this year and last year for the < USP 800> topic and also comparing scores for this year's < USP 797> exam with this year's < USP 800> exam. 53% of students thought that the Jigsaw assignment was useful for learning the material and 69% preferred that to a lecture. Exam scores were similar for both methods of teaching.

Conclusions: The Jigsaw Method is an effective and more engaging way to teach < USP 800> than a traditional classroom lecture.