Effects of virtual simulation on student pharmacists' ability to assess self-care patient cases.

Introduction: The use of simulation is recognized as an effective means to teach skills necessary for pharmacy practice. It is essential these educational activities are evaluated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual simulation on student pharmacists' ability to assess and formulate a plan for patients seeking self-care.

Analysis of pharmacy student communication self-evaluation skills during standardized patient encounters.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate pharmacy students' communication self-evaluation skills by comparing student self-evaluations with those completed by course graders and standardized patients (SP).

Methods: As part of a required communications course, third-year pharmacy students completed a medication counseling encounter with a SP during a midpoint encounter and final assessment. Students' communication skills were evaluated by course graders and SPs.

American Pharmacists Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Medication Error Disclosure.

Background: Patient safety places emphasis on full disclosure, transparency, and a commitment to prevent future errors. Studies addressing the disclosure of medication errors in the profession of pharmacy are lacking.

Objective: This study examined attitudes and behaviors of American pharmacists regarding medication errors and their disclosure to patients.

A comparison of medication counseling evaluation tools utilized in colleges of pharmacy to three recognized guidance documents.

Introduction: A universal tool to assess proficiency in patient counseling has not been developed. The objectives of this project were to assess current practices in evaluating patient counseling at colleges of pharmacy and compare the results with three nationally recognized reference standards: the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists National Patient Counseling Competition Evaluation Form, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Guidelines on Pharmacist Conducted Patient Education and Counseling.

Methods: A cover letter and questionnaire were sent to all members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Laboratory Instructors Special Interest Group with an invitation to submit an evaluation tool.

Development of a pharmacy referral protocol to enhance interprofessional services in a university-affiliated dental medicine clinic.

Objective: To discuss the process of developing pharmacy consult services within a university-affiliated dental clinic. Secondary objectives are to describe the frequency of pharmacy consults provided when comparing the initial to the modified protocol and interventions, over time.

Setting: A university-affiliated student-driven dental medicine clinic in the Midwest.

Traditional matriculation vs an early assurance program: Effect on elected student leadership positions and academic performance.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare leadership and academic performance among students admitted by traditional pathways vs. a dual acceptance program (DAP).

Methods: A list of students admitted to the Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy (MWUCCP) DAP was cross-checked with students elected to serve in leadership positions and students on the MWUCCP Dean's List for their first professional year from 2010 to 2015.

Using Patient Case Video Vignettes to Improve Students' Understanding of Cross-cultural Communication.

To develop, implement, and assess whether simulated patient case videos improve students' understanding of and attitudes toward cross-cultural communication in health care. Third-year pharmacy students (N=159) in a health care communications course participated in a one-hour lecture and two-hour workshop on the topic of cross-cultural communication. Three simulated pharmacist-patient case vignettes highlighting cross-cultural communication barriers, the role of active listening, appropriate use of medical interpreters, and useful models to overcome communication barriers were viewed and discussed in groups of 20 students during the workshop.

Comparison of community and hospital pharmacists' attitudes and behaviors on medication error disclosure to the patient: A pilot study.

Objectives: To determine pharmacists' attitudes and behaviors on medication errors and their disclosure and to compare community and hospital pharmacists on such views.

Methods: An online questionnaire was developed from previous studies on physicians' disclosure of errors. Questionnaire items included demographics, environment, personal experiences, and attitudes on medication errors and the disclosure process.

Part-time and job-share careers among pharmacy practice faculty members.

Part-time and job-share policies may allow pharmacy practice faculty members to achieve work/life balance while pursuing their professional goals. Precedent for alternative work schedules within the health professions community can be found throughout the literature; however, little is known about part-time roles in academic pharmacy. The design and implementation of 3 different alternative faculty appointments are described and department chair and faculty perspectives are shared.

Evaluation of a pediatric asthma awareness program.

Objective: To evaluate knowledge and attitudinal outcomes of an educational asthma program for third-grade children with and without asthma.

Methodology: "The Lion Who Couldn't Roar" was presented to third-grade classes in three Chicago area Counties. Participant asthma knowledge and attitudes were assessed via a print-based pretest-posttest design.