Implementation and assessment patient cases using the SBAR method to teach patient quality of life issues.

Background And Purpose: Quality of life (QoL) preferences are an important consideration with respect to the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP) and should be assessed prior to implementing a patient-centered plan. The objectives of this intervention were to determine if the design of a QoL activity impacts student performance, and to discern student perceptions of an innovative, case-based activity.

Educational Activity And Setting: Two cohorts of students in their second professional year were asked to present an article that included a QoL consideration. The two student cohorts were asked to complete the activity using a case report and modified SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format. Presentations were graded using a rubric, and scores were assessed retrospectively. An unpaired t-test was used to examine differences. The final cohort of students was also asked to complete a survey to gather their perspectives. Results were described using descriptive statistics; thematic analyses were also performed.

Findings: Students who completed the SBAR activity (N = 71) performed significantly better than those who completed the article (N = 98) presentation (95.62 ± 5.47 vs. 86.30 ± 16.54, P < .001). Those who completed the survey (N = 22) felt they made moderate to excellent progress explaining QoL (86%) and that the activity was helpful (68%). Overall, students reported an improved understanding of the patient's perspective.

Summary: The PPCP requires that students must consider the patient's QoL in order to develop an optimal patient-centered plan. Activities such as this may improve student understanding of QoL implications.