Students views of an online ethical decision-support tool

Ethical reasoning is a key skill that must be developed during the undergraduate pharmacy course to prepare students for ethical decision-making in future practice as pharmacy professionals. In this initial study, we sought and documented the views of pharmacy students at a United Kingdom (UK) university on the use of Values Exchange™ (Vx), an online ethical decision-support tool.

Students deliberated on up to three ethical case scenarios every academic year using the tool. A preliminary study using a qualitative methodology was conducted with students nearing the end of their third-year of study to explore their views of the tool. Two focus groups were used to collect the data. Discussions were digitally recorded, anonymised and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using the five-stage framework approach.

Four main themes emerged from the data: students felt that Values Exchange™ enabled them to gain a wider perspective on ethical issues; it promoted reflection; it helped to prepare them for future practice; students liked the online environment.

Vx prompted students to deliberate on many facets of a case, enabled them to consider and challenge the views of their peers, facilitated reflection and promoted greater honesty in responses and inclusivity, all supporting the development of moral reasoning skills.

Vx supports the process of ethical decision-making, encouraging a deep approach to learning within a safe virtual environment. Students believed Vx to be an effective tool for developing ethical reasoning skills in preparation for practice.