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Published on: June 11, 2012
An introductory pharmacy practice experience on improving medication adherence
Patricia L Darbishire1, Kimberly S Plake, Mary E Kiersma
1Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. darbishi@purdue.edu
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of a medication adherence activity on introductory pharmacy practice experience students' perceptions of patient adherence as well as student development of empathy and confidence in patient counseling.
Design:
Students participated in a personal medication simulation using an automated medication dispenser. Students then identified a patient with nonadherence and provided counseling on use of the dispenser. After 4 to 6 weeks, students interviewed the patient about their experience with the dispenser and assessed changes in adherence.
Assessment:
One hundred fifty-three students completed the assignment and 3 surveys instruments. Following the experience, the majority of students agreed or strongly agreed that they developed more empathy for patients with multiple medications and felt confident counseling a patient in the use of a dispenser (92.0% and 88.2%, respectively). Most students (91.4%) reported feeling that their patient education session was successful.
Conclusion:
An introductory pharmacy practice experience involving an automated medication dispenser and patient counseling to improve medication adherence resulted in the development of empathy and improved student confidence.
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