To reinforce skills obtained in Research and Design and continue to develop your ability to critically read and evaluate primary literature
To apply evidence-based practice concepts in a more in-depth manner
To strengthen your presentation skills
To support the development of scholarly activities utilized while on experiential rotations and in practice

For the Journal Club assignment, you will be divided into groups of 3 students to read and appraise an assigned primary literature article. Articles have been selected by the pharmacotherapy faculty emphasizing and/or building upon topics covered in Pharmacotherapy I and II. Your group will conduct a journal club by filling out a structured table and presenting findings during lab. See below for a detailed description of each part of this assignment.
Part I: Journal Club Table (15 points total)
During your first lab, your group should thoroughly read your chosen journal article. Discuss your thoughts with your group and begin filling out a draft of the Journal Club Table posted on Blackboard to evaluate your article.
You will need to spend a significant amount of time identifying and reviewing additional background articles on your subject and critically evaluating your journal article. You should use the following documents posted on Blackboard to guide you as you think through each part of the research article to identify strengths, weaknesses, and applications to patient care.
Critical Evaluation of Primary Literature Handout
Clinical Science Standard Reference Content

Due before leaving lab on January 13th or 15th.
The draft will be graded on completion and will be used for faculty to provide feedback on your current progress in evaluating your primary literature.
Journal Club Table Draft (5 points)
Journal Club Table Final (10 points)
Due February 7th at 11:55 pm.
The final table will be graded on the rubric below to assess each component of your written Journal Club. The final table should be completed in detail to show your group’s thorough evaluation of the primary literature. Review the table rubric to ensure you are meeting all expectations.

Part II: Journal Club Presentation (40 points total)

Due February 17th at 9:00 am.
Using the Journal Club Table as a guide, construct a visually appealing presentation that successfully conveys the information from your completed table. You will have 15 minutes to present the article to your peers. The presentation time should be split evenly between the members of your group, and you should allow an additional 10 minutes at the end of your presentation for questions. Each group member will be asked at least two questions, and it is your group’s responsibility to ensure each presenter knows all the material and is prepared for questions.
Your group will receive the same presentation grade, so please ensure that all group members are confident and competent with all parts of the journal article and presentation. See the rubric below rubric to ensure you are meeting all expectations.
Journal club assignment