Simulated Order Verification and Medication Reconciliation during an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Clinical Pharmacy Practice
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Medication reconciliation and order verification are critical pharmacist responsibilities.
• Simulations offer a safe environment for training healthcare professionals.
• Existing hospital training software can be leveraged for educational purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and implement a simulated medication reconciliation and order verification activity.
• To assess the educational impact of this simulation on pharmacy students.
• To evaluate the use of hospital training software for practical skill development.

Main Methods:

• A simulated patient case was integrated into existing hospital training software.
• Students performed medication reconciliation and order verification based on patient data.
• Discrepancies were identified, and rationale for order rejection was documented.

Main Results:

• The majority of students found the simulation enhanced learning and clinical decision-making.
• The activity successfully integrated prior coursework and stimulated interest in institutional pharmacy.
• Student evaluations of the introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) were favorable.

Conclusions:

• Hospital training software can be affordably utilized to simulate key pharmacist roles.
• This simulation improves students' clinical decision-making abilities.
• The developed activity provides a valuable tool for pharmacy education.