Experiential Learning in a Gamified Pharmacy Simulation: A Qualitative Exploration Guided by Semantic Analysis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy education
• Experiential learning
• Healthcare simulation

Background:

• Experiential learning is crucial for pharmacist education, often via placements or simulations.
• Senior pharmacy students require preparation for intern practice.
• Gamified simulations offer an immersive approach to consolidate learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore senior pharmacy students' experiences in an extended, immersive, gamified simulation.
• To assess the impact of the simulation on student confidence, competence, and collaboration.
• To prepare students for intern practice through a capstone activity.

Main Methods:

• A three-week gamified simulation involving competitive management of simulated pharmacies.
• Students undertook scaffolded assessments including dispensing, clinical cases, and patient counseling.
• Mixed methods analysis of 733 reflective journals from 123 students (2016-2018).

Main Results:

• Major themes identified: teamwork, patient-centeredness, medicines provision, future practice, and the learning experience.
• Students reported an intense and emotional experience.
• Significant transformation in students' skills, behaviors, and attitudes was observed.

Conclusions:

• Gamified simulations provide effective experiential learning for pharmacy students.
• This capstone activity enhanced preparedness for intern roles.
• The simulation fostered key professional attributes and skills.