Simulated patient cases using DecisionSim™ improves student performance and satisfaction in pharmacotherapeutics...

Pharmacy education is continuously evolving and incorporation of technology is more prevalent. Computer-based patient cases are being utilised to illustrate complex concepts and develop clinical decision-making skills by enabling deliberate practice and continued feedback to scaffold student learning. Simulations are received positively by students but there is limited information on the benefit to student performance. The study aim was to determine the benefits of computer-based cases for oncology therapeutics in terms of student satisfaction and performance.

Computer based oncology cases were designed using DecisionSim™ technology and introduced to final year pharmacy students. Student satisfaction was measured using a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale (1 strongly agree to 5 strongly disagree), and an option for open-ended comments. Performance was measured using results of assessment items in the oncology course compared to a similar course (psychiatric/neurology).

Students found the simulated oncology cases engaged them in learning (median 1.5), had a role in therapeutics education (median 1), and developed decision making skills (median 1). Thematic analysis of open comments suggested it was most beneficial as a self-directed study tool. The students performed significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the oncology end of semester exam (78.6 ± 8.6) compared to psychiatric/neurology (70.7 ± 9.6).

A computer-based simulation for oncology pharmacotherapeutics can engage students and develop decision making skills. DecisionSim™ enhanced both student satisfaction and performance in management of oncology cases, and is a beneficial educational tool for teaching complex therapeutic topics to pharmacy students.