Subjective and objective benefits of a novel opioid-related disorders simulation learning experience for pharmacy students

Abstract

Introduction: The subjective and objective benefits of an opioid-related disorders simulation lab have not been well established in pharmacy student education. Opioid-related disorders are extremely prevalent, and education of pharmacy students should develop as the role of the pharmacist progresses. Objective: To enhance knowledge, affective skills, and empathy in the management of opioid-related disorders for third professional-year student pharmacists using simulation. Methods: Third-year student pharmacists participated in a three-part opioid-related disorders activity. Students first completed a patient case in groups, then presented as the patient to a simulated retail pharmacy to obtain a buprenorphine-naloxone prescription, and lastly, provided counseling to a simulated patient for naloxone nasal spray. Knowledge was assessed with a multiple-choice survey, and affective skills and empathy were assessed with an opinion-based survey. The surveys were administered pre-class, post-class, and 1 month following the class. The surveys were not validated but were based on curriculum goals. All of the surveys were completed online, and the pre-class and post-class surveys were completed on computers during class. Results: A total of 150 students completed the pre-class survey, 144 completed the post-class survey, and 90 completed the survey 1 month later. The experience was reported as valuable by 100% of participants. Knowledge significantly improved from the pre-class survey (85.6%) to the post-class survey (94.3%) (p < 0.001) and remained improved 1 month following the activity (92.4%) (p = 0.002). Based on the opinion-based survey, empathy toward patients with opioid-related disorders was significantly improved for three survey items following the activity and 1 month after the activity. Conclusion: This three-part simulation demonstrated improvement in empathy and knowledge in the ability to provide care for patients with opioid-related disorders among student pharmacists.