Evaluation of a simulation-based learning activity for communicating about at-risk opioid behaviors in a community pharmacy setting

Assessing Person-Centered Care in Pharmacy Education

OBJECTIVES

The ability to provide person-centered care is an important aspect of the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP); therefore, the assessment of students' skills in this area is essential in pharmacy curricula. The objectives of this article were to: (1) review literature on the assessment of student pharmacists' ability to provide person-centered care, (2) describe trends in assessment practices relevant to this skill, and (3) provide recommendations for pharmacy educators on the assessment of this skill and further research.

FINDINGS

A total of 62 sources were included in the analysis for this review. Results were characterized by the educational setting in which the assessment took place (ie, didactic, skills, and/or experiential), assessment strategies (eg, self-evaluations, simulations, knowledge-based quizzes, reflections, objective structured clinical exams), and themes observed for commonly assessed skill areas (eg, empathy, communication, interprofessional teamwork, and social determinants of health). Gaps in the assessment of person-centered care, particularly regarding specific steps of the PPCP (follow-up and documentation) were identified in the sources reviewed.

SUMMARY

Assessment practices of students' ability to provide person-centered care within the context of the PPCP were reviewed, and key findings relevant to pharmacy education were described. More holistic person-centered care assessment strategies that encompass the full PPCP are recommended.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technology Into Simulation for Pre- and Postlicensure Nursing Students

ABSTRACT

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have not been widely integrated into simulation education. This work examines the process of designing and implementing AI-enabled opioid-involved overdose simulation scenarios to aid pre- and postlicensure nursing students in learning how to assess, respond to, and manage opioid-involved overdoses. Thirty students provided feedback on their engagement with the AI-enabled manikin immediately following the simulation experience. Data show that participants would recommend the use of the AI-enabled manikins for other nursing students. education. This overview serves as a template to those interested in implementing AI in simulation scenarios.

Pharmacy Student Education Related to Opioids: A Scoping Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review explores and assesses the extent of the literature on the current state of opioid-related training and education of student pharmacists and identifies areas for further research to improve the preparedness of future pharmacists in managing care for patients using opioid medications. This review also examines and maps the literature as it relates to the 4 substance misuse educational content areas (legal/ethical issues; screening, treatment, and stigma; pharmacology and toxicology; and psychosocial aspects) recommended by the 2020 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Special Committee on Substance Use and Pharmacy Education.

FINDINGS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify articles reporting opioid-related educational and training initiatives for student pharmacists in the United States through May 2023. A total of 52 articles were included in the review. Nearly 40% of the included studies reported content that addressed all 4 recommended content areas, with only 8 addressing only 1 or 2 content areas. The majority of studies included students in the third year of their pharmacy program, with many reporting interprofessional educational initiatives. Assessments of opioid-related knowledge and attitudes, satisfaction with the activity, and interprofessional attitudes and competencies were reported.

SUMMARY

Most of the reported activities addressed at least 3 of the recommended educational content areas. However, relatively few reported sufficient details to support the replication of the activities and there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of these educational initiatives with more vigorous research methodology to determine their potential effectiveness.