An Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience on Improving Medication Adherence

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a medication adherence activity on introductory pharmacy practice experience students' perceptions of patient adherence as well as student development of empathy and confidence in patient counseling. Design. Students participated in a personal medication simulation using an automated medication dispenser. Students then identified a patient with nonadherence and provided counseling on use of the dispenser. After 4 to 6 weeks, students interviewed the patient about their experience with the dispenser and assessed changes in adherence. Assessment. One hundred fifty-three students completed the assignment and 3 surveys instruments. Following the experience, the majority of students agreed or strongly agreed that they developed more empathy for patients with multiple medications and felt confident counseling a patient in the use of a dispenser (92.0% and 88.2%, respectively). Most students (91.4%) reported feeling that their patient education session was successful.Conclusion. An introductory pharmacy practice experience involving an automated medication dispenser and patient counseling to improve medication adherence resulted in the development of empathy and improved student confidence.

Evaluating the Potential Impact of Pharmacist Counseling on Medication Adherence Using a Simulation Activity

“…Students were able to see first-hand how counseling led to decreased drug interactions. Similar to feedback from previous studies, [16][17][18][19] students indicated that this activity was beneficial in helping them understand the challenges with medication adherence. The activity and postdiscussions highlighted key adherence and compliance related issues, such as potential food-drug interactions, difficulties in remembering to take medications, and managing a medication regimen.…”

“…16,18 Additionally, the use of an adherence tool, such as an automated medication dispenser, has also been incorporated into medication simulation activities. 19 This study was the first in the authors' knowledge to examine the impact of patient counseling on improving adherence using student participants. Students were able to see first-hand how counseling led to decreased drug interactions.…”

Using a Polypharmacy Simulation Exercise to Increase Empathy in Pharmacy Students

“…[10][11][12][13] Researchers have also attempted to assess the impact of interventions on empathy within simulation education; however, there is no research to date on the impact of a polypharmacy simulation on empathy using a validated empathy scale.…”

Comparison of Student and Patient Perceptions for Medication Non-adherence

“…Inclusion of this information in health care curricula provides opportunities for deeper student learning, enhanced empathy for patients, and increased motivation to improve patient health. 18,[34][35][36][37] Step 1. Examine existing research on factors that lead to medication non-adherence Are healthcare student perspectives on reasons for medication non-adherence different from those of the patients they serve?…”

“…17 Some schools incorporate role-play simulations where students take placebo medications to experience the difficultly of adhering to therapy and to enhance empathy toward patients taking multiple medications. [18][19][20] Volino described activities where students were placed into randomized groups to demonstrate improved adherence following counseling interventions. 21 The authors found no articles describing educational activities whereby students explore their perceptions on reasons for non-adherence and contrast them with the views of patients.…”