Non-virtual simulation training and patient simulation existing for pharmacy students: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Simulation training enhances non-technical skills and patient safety in pharmacy education, fostering healthcare knowledge and interprofessional collaboration. These training programmes are crucial for instructing pharmacy students in establishing therapeutic and interprofessional relationships with patients and healthcare providers. The objective of this scoping review was to examine not only the simulation training activities currently available to pharmacy students but also their effectiveness and then to identify areas in non-technical skills that still need to be taught. Methods: A scoping review focused on “simulation training” and “pharmacy students” was conducted, excluding virtual simulation. Initial searches in Scopus, MEDLINE and ERIC were performed on June 6, 2020, with a follow-up on February 25, 2022. Both English and French articles were considered, guided by PRISMA-ScR. Results: From 812 initial papers, 140 met inclusion criteria, revealing two simulation modalities: simulated patient and hybrid. Hybrid modality facilitated interprofessional simulation. Simulation training in patient communication, medication counselling and interprofessional education was seen to have the most impact on students. Conclusion: Simulation training was found to be an efficient method of teaching non-technical skills such as communication, medication counselling and interprofessional collaboration for patient-centred care and interprofessional exchanges in pharmacy education programmes.