(89) Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Skills-Based Pharmacy Courses

Objective : Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into healthcare systems and is increasingly accessible to the general population. Skills-based courses in pharmacy curriculum are uniquely poised to integrate AI as part of practical training for practice readiness. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate how pharmacy curriculums currently use or plan to use AI within skills-based courses.

Methods: Invitations to complete an anonymous Qualtrics®XM survey were emailed to American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy faculty membership, remaining open for two months with bi-weekly reminders. Skills-based faculty coordinators were specifically asked to respond to the survey and identify as such in the first question. Further inquiries assessed the present and potential utilization of AI, both within curriculum and administrative functions. Data was analyzed categorically based on responses.

Results: A total of 98 pharmacy skills-based faculty coordinator survey responses were submitted. Only 18% of respondents reported currently utilizing AI within skills-based courses, most commonly through gamification (i.e., Kahoot!). Additionally, 15% reported using AI for administrative course tasks (i.e., scheduling, record keeping, idea generation). About 60% reported consideration of AI implementation, usually within the next 2 years. The most common reasons for not currently implementing AI included lack of familiarity and unclear role in pharmacy education.

Conclusions: There is currently low reported AI integration in skills-based pharmacy courses, in addition to low administrative use. Although interest seems high, there are barriers to use including faculty understanding of the technology as well as the purpose of its integration in pharmacy education.