Measuring the educational benefits of using a virtual patient to practice pharmacist-patient consultations

Richardson, Charlotte Lucy; White, Simon; Chapman, Stephen

Abstract

<jats:p>Objective: Virtual patients (VPs) are a method of simulating clinical practice however little is known about their use by healthcare professionals. This study explores if, and how, one VP is educationally beneficial for pharmacists and pre-registration trainees to teach non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) patient counselling. Method: The evaluation used a before and after questionnaire measuring self-perceived counselling ability; further questions considered the outcomes of VP use. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics; ethical approval was granted by Keele University. Results: There was an average improvement in the user’s (n=94) self-perceived ability to conduct NOAC counselling (+10.2%). Although, there was variation in educational outcomes with changes in both knowledge and confidence reported. Some reported a decreased ability, but they were still positive towards the VP as it may have had a regulatory effect. Conclusion: Most users perceived multiple benefits of use; more generic outcomes related to counselling skills were also reported.</jats:p>

Citation

Richardson, C. L., White, S., & Chapman, S. (2021). Measuring the educational benefits of using a virtual patient to practice pharmacist-patient consultations. Pharmacy Education, 382 - 389. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2021.211.382389

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 20, 2021
• Publication Date: Aug 20, 2021
• Journal: Pharmacy Education
• Print ISSN: 1477-2701
• Publisher: International Pharmaceutical Federation
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 382 - 389
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2021.211.382389
• Keywords: counselling, education, pharmacist, simulation, virtual patient
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/421265
• Publisher URL: https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/1211