Pharmacoinformatics Innovation: A Web-Based Calculator to Enhance Pharmaceutical Practice and Education

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a web-based pharmaceutical calculator designed to enhance pharmaceutical education and professional practice by providing accurate and efficient pharmacological calculations. The objective was to create a customizable, user-friendly, and open- access tool that assists pharmacy students and professionals in performing complex pharmacological computations, ultimately improving learning outcomes and reducing medication errors in clinical practice. Utilizing a Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, the research involved three phases: requirements elicitation, system development using low-code tools, and usability assessment. The application was developed using WordPress CMS with the Elementor plugin to ensure functionality and a user-centered interface design. A usability study, employing the System Usability Scale (SUS), was conducted, with feedback collected from pharmacy students and practitioners. The results showed high user acceptability and satisfaction, with most respondents finding the calculator easy to use and effective in both academic learning and clinical tasks. The tool significantly reduced human error, improved understanding of pharmacological concepts, and simplified complex dosage calculations. In conclusion, the web-based pharmaceutical calculator successfully bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, contributing to safer pharmaceutical practices and enhanced pharmacological education. The tool reduces cognitive load and human error, offering a scalable solution for the evolving needs of pharmacy education and clinical decision-making. Future developments could include advanced features such as drug interaction checks and multilingual support, further expanding its potential for global use.