A medicines information department simulation for final year MPharm undergraduates

Final year pharmacy students in the UK need to demonstrate competence in a range of learning outcomes including working in partnership, communication skills, working collaboratively, appraising the evidence base, critically evaluating guidelines, effective leadership, and responding to complaints. Medicines Information (MI) departments in the UK provide support for all aspects of medication related queries and working in MI requires these skills to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines.

An MI themed simulation was developed for final year MPharm students at the University of East Anglia as an opportunity for them to develop in a range of skills and utilise previously taught clinical knowledge. Students were divided into two teams of five students, each tasked with managing their own MI department. During the four-hour simulation each team received a total of 12 telephone enquiries from a variety of simulated health professionals and simulated patients.

All 10 students participated in a focus group exploring their experience of the simulation. A thematic analysis identified three themes; realism, management and teamwork, and preparation for practice.

Students felt the simulation was realistic and challenging. They did not see management skills as integral to the task at the outset, however there was evidence of a change in approach as the simulation progressed. The session supported development of research and communication skills and was an opportunity for students to apply clinical knowledge. As such, an MI department simulation activity may be a useful addition to pharmacy curricula.