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Implementation of a virtual dispensing simulator to support US pharmacy education
Marcus Ferrone1, Clark Kebodeaux2, Jill Fitzgerald3
1University of California, San Francisco, School of Pharmacy, 3333 California Street, Suite 420, Box 0613, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States.
Currents in Pharmacy Teaching & Learning
|December 14, 2017
Summary
The MyDispense web-based simulation was adapted for US pharmacy students, enhancing practical skills. Students found the virtual tool effective for learning medication use systems management and safe error-making in community pharmacy practice.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Digital Health
- Medication Management
Background:
- Medication use systems management is crucial for pharmacy practice as defined by ACPE.
- An international web-based community pharmacy simulation was adapted for US pharmacy students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt an existing international simulation for US pharmacy students.
- To evaluate student perceptions of the adapted web-based simulation.
Main Methods:
- The MyDispense software was modified by Australian and US faculty to reflect US community pharmacy practice.
- Students from three US pharmacy schools utilized the adapted MyDispense and completed surveys.
Main Results:
- 241 students completed the survey, with 40% having prior community pharmacy experience.
- 76% found MyDispense easy to learn, 73% found it more realistic than paper cases, and 84% saw it as a safe learning tool for errors.
- Qualitative analysis showed students practiced patient information gathering, counseling, and dispensing.
Conclusions:
- The US version of MyDispense is well-received and a practical tool for teaching community pharmacy skills.
- It effectively introduces and reinforces essential skills for pharmacy students' education.