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Improvisational exercises to improve pharmacy students' professional communication skills
Kevin P Boesen1, Richard N Herrier, David A Apgar
1The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. kboesen@pharmacy.arizona.edu
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|June 11, 2009
Summary
Improvisational exercises significantly enhanced communication skills in first-year pharmacy students. These engaging activities improved listening, observation, and response abilities, as confirmed by standardized patient exams and student feedback.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Communication Skills Training
Background:
- Effective patient communication is crucial for pharmacists.
- Traditional methods may not fully develop essential communication skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement improvisational exercises for first-year pharmacy students.
- To enhance core communication skills: listening, observing, and responding.
Main Methods:
- Twelve 1-hour improvisational sessions were integrated into an existing patient communication course.
- Standardized patient examinations assessed communication skill improvement.
- Student perceptions were evaluated through course evaluations and reflective journaling.
Main Results:
- Improvisational exercises led to marked improvements in student performance during standardized patient examinations.
- Students reported significant perceived improvements in their communication skills.
- Positive feedback was noted in course evaluations and reflective journals.
Conclusions:
- Improvisational exercises offer an effective pedagogical approach for teaching communication skills to pharmacy students.
- This method enhances practical application of communication skills in a simulated patient care setting.
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