The perceptions of Pharmacy and Medicine students about the development of clinical competencies

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The active role of the medical professional together with the pharmacist can help to guarantee an effective, safe, and convenient pharmacotherapy. For these professionals to work collaboratively, it is necessary that, during the training process, Pharmacy and Medicine students develop skills to ensure a quality clinical service, with respect for their performance and adequate coexistence with other professionals. Objective: This study aimed to describe a self-assessment of the Medicine and Pharmacy records in relation to their technical skills, their differences and similarities, as well as to assess their development during a program. Method: Educational study carried out remotely between August 2020 and August 2021. The participants were Pharmacy and Medicine students from a public teaching institution. Individual interviews were carried out and instruments for self-assessment of clinical competences were applied. Result: A total of 39 students participated in the research: 18 (46.2%) from Pharmacy and 21 (53.8%) from Medicine. Pharmacy students evaluated themselves positively regarding activities related to clinical competences, except for the implementation of a care plan and the identification of patients at risk of prevalent diseases. As for the curriculum, the evaluated course has three subjects that address the development of clinical competences. Of these, the students reported having developed scientific knowledge, updated scientific knowledge and effective communication. Medical students evaluated themselves positively in relation to their clinical competences, apart from those related to differential diagnosis, discussion with the health team and identification of failures in the health system. The course curriculum features 11 disciplines focused on care, and the students’ associated disciplines of a social nature with person-centered care. The most outstanding skills developed were empathy, compassion, integrity and respect, effective communication and anamnesis and obtaining sociocultural information. In addition, students from both courses reported little contact with other health professionals. Conclusion: The evaluated students have several insecurities, mainly related to clinical skills that require practice. Despite this, medical students showed greater apprehension of soft skills, which can facilitate the creation of bonds with patients and result in the quality of care.