Virtual versus paper-based cases in reinforcing the collect and assess elements of the pharmacists’ patient care process

Abstract

Objective. To compare pharmacy students’ perceptions about and performance when using paperbased versus virtual patient cases to reinforce knowledge of the collect and assess elements of the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP). Methods. Twenty-seven pharmacy students enrolled in an ambulatory care elective course were randomized to receive either paper-based cases or virtual patient cases for three weeks. They then crossed over to receive the alternative case format for the next three weeks. Each student received a score for their performance on questions related to the collect and assess elements of the PPCP. Students completed a survey and participated in a focus group to evaluate their perceptions of each learning method. Statistical analyses were performed on all data collected. Results. Students’ performance (n=27) was better on the assess questions of the PPCP when they used paper-based patient cases than when they used virtual patient cases. The only difference in students’ perceptions was related to the collect element, as students favored using paper-based patient cases over virtual patient cases when collecting subjective and objective information. Students who participated in the focus groups believed that the virtual patient cases provided a more realistic and engaging experience in addition to promoting critical thinking. Conclusion. While paper-based patient cases allowed pharmacy students to quickly identify and “collect” relevant information, increased use of virtual patient cases may enhance students’ comfort level with and ability to “assess” actual patients.