A Simulated Approach to Fostering Competency in End-of-Life Care Among Pharmacy Students.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Medical Simulation
• End-of-Life Care

Background:

• Effective education in end-of-life (EOL) care is crucial for pharmacy students.
• Traditional case-based learning may not fully address the complex needs of EOL care education.
• Simulation-based learning offers a potentially more impactful approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of simulation-based versus case-based learning on pharmacy students' end-of-life care learning needs.
• To assess the reduction in learning needs regarding the transition from acute to end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• Four end-of-life cases were adapted for both paper-based case study and simulation formats.
• Pharmacy students were divided into case study and simulation groups across multiple campuses.
• A validated questionnaire assessed learning needs before and after the educational interventions.

Main Results:

• Both case study and simulation groups showed pre/post changes in learning needs.
• The simulation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in post-intervention scores compared to the case study group.
• Simulation-based learning led to a more substantial reduction in end-of-life care learning needs.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based scenarios significantly reduce pharmacy students' learning needs in end-of-life care.
• This approach is more effective than traditional case studies for EOL care education.
• Simulation offers a valuable tool for enhancing pharmacy student preparedness in EOL care.