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Reflecting on Uncertainty Tolerance in Student Pharmacists Following an Inpatient Rounding Simulation: A Pilot
Nicole E Cieri-Hutcherson1, Collin M Clark1
1Division of Education and Teaching Innovation, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, New York, NY 14214, USA.
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 27, 2025
Summary
This pilot study found that an inpatient rounding simulation did not change overall tolerance of ambiguity scores in student pharmacists. However, students utilized teamwork to manage uncertainty, highlighting its importance in pharmacy education.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Clinical Skills Training
- Healthcare Simulation
Background:
- Pharmacists' expanding roles necessitate skills in managing uncertainty.
- Uncertainty tolerance (UT) is a crucial component of pharmacy education.
- Developing UT can improve pharmacist performance in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an inpatient rounding simulation (IRS) on student pharmacists' tolerance of ambiguity scale (TAS) scores.
- To analyze self-reflection comments regarding uncertainty and UT after the IRS.
- To assess changes in TAS scores and qualitative themes related to uncertainty management.
Main Methods:
- A pilot, pre-/post-observational survey study involving second-year student pharmacists.
- Student teams participated in a mock inpatient rounding simulation (IRS) with timed clinical questions.
- Pre-/post-simulation TAS scores were collected and analyzed using a paired t-test.
- Qualitative analysis of self-reflection comments identified themes related to uncertainty.
Main Results:
- 59 students (48% response rate) completed the study.
- No significant difference was observed in overall TAS scores pre- vs. post-IRS (p = 0.63).
- A statistically significant decrease was noted in the 'insolubility' subscale of the TAS (p = 0.02).
- Themes included overcoming uncertainty through teamwork and resource utilization, both pre- and post-simulation.
Conclusions:
- Student pharmacists demonstrated high TAS scores throughout the simulation.
- Teamwork was identified as a key strategy for managing uncertainty in the simulated clinical environment.
- The IRS experience was perceived positively by students for its emphasis on collaboration.
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