The BRAIN Project – Building Resources and Accessibility in Neurology for Practical Learning

TitleThe BRAIN Project - Building Resources and Accessibility in Neurology for Practical Learning
Faculty/College/UnitPharmaceutical Sciences
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2024
Project Summary

As healthcare evolves and pharmacist scope of practice continues to grow to meet patient needs, educators must continue integrating opportunities for practical and hands-on learning. Current learning in the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program often involves didactic PowerPoint lectures in 4-8 hour blocks, featuring complex neuroscience concepts and advanced medication treatment principles. Students have identified that this method is rigid, not accessible to all learners, lacks real-world clinical scenarios, and does not adequately prepare them to apply their learning with patients. The purpose of the “BRAIN” project is to re-design a 6-week intensive neurology module by building and scaffolding opportunities for practical learning, using the following framework: 1) HIGHLIGHT – build an open online practical learning study guide, including interactive treatment algorithms and visual notes. 2) LASER and ENERGIZE – integrate interactive study sessions with virtual online patient case walkthroughs and 3) REFLECT – solidify practical learning during live patient panels.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2024/2025
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorLarry Leung
Year 1: Funded Amount30,000
Year 1: Team Members

Larry Leung, Associate Professor of Teaching, Entry-to-Practice PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Peter Soja, Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jocelyn Micallef, Manager, Educational Development, Educational Technology and Learning Designs, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Brie Weir, Manager, Educational Technology, Educational Technology and Learning Designs, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Andrea Busse, Assessment Manager, Office of Educational Assessment, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Olivia Lee, 3rd Year Entry-to-Practice PharmD Student
Elizabeth Chan, 3rd Year Entry-to-Practice PharmD Student
Nicoline Bihelek, 4th Year Entry-to-Practice PharmD Student

Community Advisory Committee:

Amy Tran, Community Pharmacist
Bailey Martin, Executive Director, Parkinson Wellness Projects
Keiran Tuck, Neurologist
Marilyn Werseen-Lenzen, Ambassador, Multiple Sclerosis of Canada
Katrina Prescott, Patient Educator