An applied improvisational pharmacy communication workshop implemented during orientation for first-year pharmacy students

Abstract

Objective. To deliver a brief, applied workshop in improvisational communication skills during the new student orientation for first-year Doctor of Pharmacy students and to assess students’ perceptions about the experience. Methods. Communication instructors developed a two-hour communication “boot camp” based on established principles of clear, responsive, flexible communication. They taught core skills through interactive applied improvisational exercises and facilitated debriefings. A questionnaire was administered following the workshop that asked students to rate the quality of the session and comment on its strengths and weaknesses. Results. Of the 124 students who participated in the workshop, 95 (77%) completed evaluations at the end. Their feedback was generally favorable: 90% of participants indicated that the boot camp improved their communication skills and 92% agreed that the activities were realistic and relevant to real-life scenarios. The students reported that they valued the chance to connect with classmates, learn how to adapt to different audiences, and explore how communication skills would be useful in professional settings. Conclusion. This interactive program delivered valuable content in a short period of time. Student feedback suggested that they valued the expertise of communication instructors and the playful, active method of learning. The creation of the workshop was labor-intensive because of the formative research that guided it.