Innovative application value of the ERNIE Bot-integrated PBL-CBL teaching method in the teaching and training of clinical pharmacy major

Objective: To explore the application effects of artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated PBL-CBL teaching method in the training and teaching of clinical pharmacy major. Methods: Sixty-four trainees who underwent clinical pharmacy professional training from 2023 to 2024 were selected.The trainees in 2023 received traditional teaching (n=32), while those in 2024 adopted the AI tool ERNIE Bot-integrated PBL-CBL teaching (n=32) to conduct targeted course training on infectious disease knowledge.Tests were conducted before and after the training.After the training, a questionnaire survey was conducted among two groups to evaluate their experiences and feelings towards different teaching methods. Results: There was no statistical significance in the total score of test results before training between two groups(P>0.05).After training, the total average score, and scores of basic knowledge and case analysis in the ERNIE Bot-integrated PPL-CBL group were significantly higher than those in traditional group(P < 0.01).The scores of the learning motivation, comprehension, teacher-student interaction, theoretical examination, communication skills, clinical thinking skills, immunity, self-study skills, teamwork skills and knowledge absorption in the ERNIE Bot-integrated PPL-CBL group were higher than those in traditional group, and the free time consumed was lower than that of traditional group(P < 0.01). Conclusions: The ERNIE Bot-integrated PBL-CBL teaching method may be an effective way to improve the academic performance, clinical thinking ability and learning ability of trainees in the clinical pharmacy major.