Using a design-based research framework to refine a desirable difficulties activity for sterile compounding in a skills-based laboratory course

Background and purpose: Design-based research (DBR) processes aim to connect educational research with instructional techniques by focusing on the development and evaluation of multiple iterations of learning activities for systematic improvement within learning environments. Desirable difficulties (DD) are purposeful challenges introduced to facilitate deeper learning of material. The purpose of this work was to evaluate a second iteration of a sterile compounding DD study in the context of DBR in order to allow for the identification and refinement of the educational methods.

Educational activity and setting: In this second iteration, doctor of pharmacy students in their second professional year were exposed to both a mechanical and mathematical difficulty in sterile compounding training. Afterwards, students completed a questionnaire to rate their change in confidence and reflect on the activity.

Findings: An increase in confidence in sterile compounding skills was seen by the majority (97.9%) of students. Students' reflections highlighted gains in strategic knowledge, split between internal and external strategies.

Summary: Course instructors saw value in the refinement of a DD sterile compounding activity and plan to continue incorporating DBR processes in order to allow for the further improvement of this educational method. Faculty at other institutions could apply these processes to further refine a variety of educational activities.