Utilizing the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process Within a Simulated Medication Management Experience for Medical...

To describe the implementation and evaluation of a simulated medication management experience for medical learners utilizing the pharmacists' patient care process (PPCP).

Second-year medical students participated in a simulated medication management experience piloted over 2 consecutive academic cycles. Following an orientation, students rotated through stations designed to incorporate steps within the PPCP: Collect, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Monitor. A pre and postsurvey were administered to assess knowledge of the PPCP and perceived confidence in performing each PPCP step. Aggregate pre and postsurvey data were examined for changes in total confidence and confidence subcategorized within each step. The nonparametric sign test was used to compare pre to postresponses, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparisons between cohorts. Using course evaluations, a quantitative review of student feedback was performed.

Between 2022 and 2024, 310 students participated in the experience and submitted completed surveys. At baseline, 76 students (24.5%) were familiar with the PPCP. Following the experience, statistically significant changes were observed in affirmed confidence in performing each PPCP step, compared to pre-experience responses. Additionally, a statistically significant increase was observed between pre and postmedian summed Likert-scale confidence levels, as well as for median summed confidence level changes subcategorized by PPCP step.

Within a simulated learning activity, the PPCP framework can be used to enhance knowledge of and confidence in medication management for students from other health professions.