Advances in International Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Education, or Training
Sunday, November 12, 2023
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Service or Program: A clinical pharmacy training using simulated patients for fourth-year undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university in São Paulo, Brazil. This innovative pedagogical approach was implemented for the Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care course, aligning with the recently established national pharmacy curricular guidelines.
Justification/Documentation: In 2017, Brazil implemented new pharmacy program guidelines, delineating the essential competences for healthcare professionals. Based on these competences, 120 students were organized into groups, with each group being assigned a medical prescription and a corresponding scenario with simulated patients. These simulations encompassed: injectable anticoagulants, inhalation devices, vaginal ovules, suppositories, orodispersible tablets, antibiotics suspension, and eye drops. The students should explain the proper administration technique, indications, potential adverse effects, treatment duration, and storage. Each simulation entailed a unique profile for the simulated patient, including characteristics such as anxiety, multiple complaints, advanced age, hearing impairment, and limited mobility. A clinical pharmacist with experience in both hospital and outpatient settings portrayed the simulated patients. The students expressed that this experience provided an invaluable opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world scenarios.
Adaptability: This activity can be effectively applied to Pharmacy Colleges where clinical pharmacy training is incorporated into the curriculum as they play a pivotal role in shaping the future pharmacists in healthcare. The implementation does not require expensive resources, and it could be used even in low-income institutions with commitment of the educational staff.
Significance: This activity addresses the emerging field of clinical pharmacy services in Brazil. So, simulated patient activities provide a valuable opportunity for students to simulate the role of a clinical pharmacist and gain practical experience in patient care, enhancing clinical competences, patient-centered care, and effective communication.
Presenting Author
Amanda Veiga BScUniversity of São Paulo
Authors
Patricia Aguiar PhD
University of São Paulo
Valentina Porta PhD
University of São Paulo
Juliana Ervilha BSc
University of São Paulo
Marilia Visacri PhD
University of São Paulo