The Use of Simulation Based Learning: With Bachelor of Science Pharmaceutical Science and PharmD Students

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation

Background:

• Interprofessional education between Bachelor of Science Pharmaceutical Science (BSPS) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students is uncommon.
• Simulation-based teaching is increasingly adopted in medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an integrated educational model for BSPS and PharmD students using healthcare simulation.
• To evaluate the impact of this collaborative learning experience on student knowledge and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• BSPS students developed patient cases for high-fidelity human patient simulators.
• Cases were presented to P3 PharmD students in an independent study setting.
• Faculty facilitated the simulation-based educational activity.

Main Results:

• All four simulated patient cases led to increased student knowledge and improved attitudes.
• Students reported enhanced understanding of patient education and disease management.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted improved ability to manage disease and side effects.

Conclusions:

• The University of Rhode Island's simulation lab provides a transferable model for interprofessional education.
• This collaborative approach benefits both BSPS and PharmD programs.
• Simulation enhances pharmacy students' clinical reasoning and patient care skills.