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

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Charlotte RichardsonORCiD

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Abstract

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.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Richardson CL, Chapman S, White S

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Pharmacy Education

Year: 2021

Volume: 21

Pages: 382-389

Online publication date: 20/08/2021

Acceptance date: 20/08/2021

Date deposited: 16/09/2021

ISSN (electronic): 1477-2701

Publisher: Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique

URL: https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2021.211.382389

DOI: 10.46542/pe.2021.211.382389

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