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Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
Fostering empathy and self-efficacy in pharmacy students through service learning
Rachel Lumish1, Sierra Simpkins2, Jazmin Black3
1Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, New York City Health & Hospitals - Elmhurst, 79-01 Broadway, Queens, NY 11373, United States.
Background:
Pharmacy student proficiency in direct patient interactions is an integral component of the doctor of pharmacy curriculum. Service-learning experiences offer pharmacy students valuable opportunities to develop self-efficacy and empathy while serving communities with unmet needs. The objective of this review is to evaluate the impact of service-learning experiences on the self-efficacy and empathy of pharmacy and other health professions students.
Methods:
A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, ERIC, and CINAHL databases. Articles were included if they described the relationship between any health professions student service-learning experience and changes in self-efficacy and empathy. Articles were excluded if they involved simulation experiences, standardized patients, or international experiences.
Results:
A total of 11 relevant articles were identified, seven examined changes in student self-efficacy and six assessed student empathy. Articles included students representing seven health professions, with one eligible article in pharmacy. All articles investigating self-efficacy reported a positive impact of service learning on student confidence. Most articles focusing on empathy found that service learning had a positive impact on student empathy, and only one article noted a negative trend. Students with limited prior direct patient care experience had the greatest improvement in clinical confidence and empathy.
Implications:
This review adds a new perspective to the literature by evaluating evidence-based service-learning models in pharmacy education. Offering additional structured service-learning opportunities for pharmacy students fosters self-efficacy and empathy while supporting communities with unmet needs. Future studies evaluating innovative service-learning models and methods of continuous assessment within the pharmacy curriculum are warranted.
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