title: A Simulated Learning Environment for Teaching Medicine Dispensing Skills.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop an authentic simulation of the professional practice dispensary context for students to develop their dispensing skills in a risk-free environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A development team used an Agile software development method to create MyDispense, a web-based simulation. Modeled on virtual learning environments elements, the software employed widely available standards-based technologies to create a virtual community pharmacy environment. Assessment. First-year pharmacy students who used the software in their tutorials, were, at the end of the second semester, surveyed on their prior dispensing experience and their perceptions of MyDispense as a tool to learn dispensing skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The dispensary simulation is an effective tool for helping students develop dispensing competency and knowledge in a safe environment.
authors.affiliation: Monash University Centre for Medicines Use and Safety, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McDowell
authors.affiliation: Monash University Office of the Vice-Provost (Learning and Teaching), Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Styles
authors.affiliation: Monash University Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sewell
authors.affiliation: Monash University Centre for Medicines Use and Safety, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Peta
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Trinder
authors.affiliation: Monash University Centre for Medicines Use and Safety, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marriott
authors.affiliation: Monash University Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Sheryl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.affiliation: Monash University Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Australia.
authors.forename: Som
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naidu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D012984:Software; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: MyDispense; drug dispensing skills; simulated learning environment