A Simulation Activity to Assess Student Pharmacists\u27 Knowledge and Perceptions of Oncology Pharmacy

Objective. To assess the impact of an interactive activity on student pharmacists’ confidence in answering oncology-related questions and their perceptions of an oncology pharmacists’ roles in practice. Methods. Two cohorts (2016 and 2017) of third-year student pharmacists completed a two-hour, interactive, four-station activity during the fourth week of an oncology module. Each station simulated a different oncology-related scenario that represented a specific practice settings. Pre- and post-activity surveys were administered to determine changes in students’ confidence levels and perceptions. Results. Over the two years, 66 student pharmacists completed the pre- and post-activity survey instruments. In both cohorts, there was a significant increase in scores on all items regarding students’ confidence. Student pharmacists’ perceptions of pharmacists\u27 roles also improved significantly. Conclusion. The simulation activity was effective as confirmed by improvement in student pharmacists’ post-activity scores on confidence and perception. Determining student pharmacists’ comfort in responding to oncology scenarios is important to prepare them for practice in any setting

A Comparison of the Effect of Intermittent and Continuous Infusion of Meropenem on the Prevalence of Nausea in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease, leading to changes of membrane secretions causing obstruction of smaller airways. CF patients often develop pulmonary infections and require antibiotic treatment. Meropenem is a broad spectrum beta lactam that acts by lysing microbes through interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Although a safe and effective treatment, data on pediatric patients is limited

Simulation-Based Interdisciplinary Team Learning—Pilot Study

Background: Currently, interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming widely integrated into healthcare professional education with regulating bodies including IPE as a curricular requirement. Although recent studies have concluded that students value IPE, there are a number of challenges associated with initial engagement. Many schools are unsure how to approach this interdisciplinary integration. In addition to IPE, simulation has become an important tool in the education of health professionals. As the first exercise at Wright State University involving interprofessional groups composed completely of undergraduates, interested students from the Boonshoft School of Medicine, the WSU College of Nursing and Health, and the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy collaborated to conduct a series of IPE cases in the Department of Emergency Medicine’s high-fidelity simulation lab. In order to support a continuous improvement process and identify strengths and weaknesses of the interprofessional simulation, data was collected from all participating students. Methods: This study was approved as an exempt protocol by the University IRB. Repeat surveys were conducted on an interprofessional group of students assessing their attitudes prior to and upon completion of a series of simulations. The survey included 6 Likert scale questions and a comments section. Paired t-test and frequency analysis were utilized for each of the survey questions to determine baseline status and determine any statistically significant change from baseline. Results: Students from all health professions demonstrated positive attitudes toward IPE and simulation training. Results from four of the survey questions demonstrated a statistically significant positive increase in differences between pre-simulation and post-simulation survey. Baseline responses indicate a strongly positive attitude towards IPE. In comparison to pre-simulation survey responses, post-simulation responses demonstrated significant increases in students’ experience and perceived value of high-fidelity healthcare clinical simulation. Additionally, there were statistically significant changes in students’ perceived value of interdisciplinary team training and its importance in the future of medical education. Conclusion: This study found that students from all three participating health professions demonstrated overall positive baseline attitudes toward IPE that could be further enhanced through participation in simulation-based exercises. This study provides a model of one method for integrating IPE into curricula for healthcare professionals

Bethany Sibbitt

Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practicehttps://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/new_faculty_2017-2018_gallery/1014/thumbnail.jp

Bethany Sibbitt

https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/white_coat_ceremony_gallery_2012/1008/thumbnail.jp