Focus group describing simulation-based learning for cardiovascular topics in US colleges and schools of pharmacy

This qualitative focus group study sought to describe how colleges of pharmacy use simulation-based learning (SBL) to teach cardiovascular topics and to identify challenges and benefits.

Participants were recruited from a screening survey disseminated via e-mail to select American College of Clinical Pharmacy Practice and Research networks. Subjects were selected based on diversity in institution and simulation types. Two 1-hour focus group sessions were conducted by the primary investigator following a script designed by the research team. Each recorded session was independently reviewed by all investigators and coded into final themes. Results are reported in a qualitative fashion.

Five individuals provided consent and participated. Themes identified include topics, formats, interprofessional education, challenges, strategies for success, and benefits. Frequent topics included advanced cardiac life support, heart failure, hypertension, and transitions of care. Multiple formats were used including standardized patients or providers, task trainers, and high-fidelity mannequins. Multiple institutions reported simulating interprofessional teams by involving students from other health professions. Scheduling, pharmacy program size, faculty availability, and logistics around planning and/or conducting an event were identified challenges. Institutions reported success when clear expectations were provided to students and skill development progressed from low-stakes to high-stakes events. Benefits reported included real world applicability with participants noting that students do not realize the importance of SBL until they have reached rotations.

Various topics and simulation methods were employed to teach cardiovascular topics. While challenges exist, institutions have identified strategies for success and report students recognized the benefits to their learning.