Human patient simulation in a pharmacotherapy course.
OBJECTIVE
To incorporate human patient simulation (HPS) into a pharmacotherapy course and evaluate its impact on students' satisfaction and mastery of course objectives.


METHODS
Various levels of HPS were used for clinical skills assessments, reinforcement of concepts previously introduced in class, and presentation of simulated patient case scenarios requiring critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities. Pre- and post-simulation examinations and a satisfaction survey instrument were administered.


RESULTS
Significant improvement was seen in students' knowledge on post-simulation examinations. On problem-solving skills, the majority of student groups received a final case grade >95%. Students indicated high levels of satisfaction with the use of HPS in the course and showed increased levels of confidence in their pharmacotherapy/patient care skills.


CONCLUSIONS
Human patient simulation provided a unique opportunity for students to apply what they learned and allowed them to practice problem-solving skills. Students grew in confidence and knowledge through exposure to realistic simulation of clinical scenarios. Students showed improvement in knowledge and ability to resolve patient treatment problems, as well as in self-confidence.
Seybert
Amy L
AL
School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. seyberta@upmc.edu
Kobulinsky
Lawrence R
LR
McKaveney
Teresa P
TP
D003479:Curriculum; D004358:Drug Therapy; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016544:Patient Simulation; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology