Pharmacy Student Knowledge and Communication of Medication Errors

Abstract

Objectives. To describe and evaluate pharmacy students' knowledge of and comfort in communicating, managing, and preventing medication errors. Methods. Using a cross-sectional design, a survey instrument was administered to fifth-year pharmacy students. The survey instrument included both open-and close-ended questions to describe and examine factors associated with knowledge and comfort in communication of medication errors. Results. Survey instruments were completed by 93 students (90% response rate). Nearly 80% reported not having received training in communicating medication errors. The perception of having more adequate training was related to greater knowledge in the communication of medication errors (p # 0.001). Knowledge was also associated with students having greater comfort in communicating medication errors (p # 0.05). Conclusions. The need and value of additional training for pharmacy students in communicating medication errors was demonstrated. Educational interventions should be developed to provide consistent instruction on these communication issues.

The Approach of Pharmacy Students Towards Communication of Medication Errors in Karachi, Pakistan

“…The results of the survey indicate more than 40 % of the respondents were not contented with the training they received on communicating with patients about the incidence of a medication error and to report a medication error. These parallel observations were also reported by Noland and Rickles that majority of respondents received inadequate or no formal useful training on how to deal with the issues relevant to the communication of medication errors [11,12]. However, research has shown that pharmacists who receive more education and training on reporting misadventures are more likely to report them [13].…”

“…A pre-validated questionnaire used in other studies was adapted and modified [11]. It consisted of 15 items exploring the background, communication attitudes, training in communication about medication errors, ethical and practical measures regarding medication errors and types of errors commonly observed during the clerkship.…”

Use of Simulations to Improve Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes About Medication Errors and Patient Safety

“…6 Other educational interventions related to medication safety have focused on pharmacy students' knowledge and communication of medication errors, the role of the pharmacist in medication error reduction, integration of patient safety education into introductory pharmacy practice experiences, and the use of independent and team-based RCA projects. [7][8][9][10][11] Hearing the call for improved preparedness of graduates to be able to reduce medication errors and promote patient safety, faculty created a capstone experience for students enrolled in a pharmacy skills laboratory. As most students will not be a part of a RCA during advanced pharmacy practice experiences, it has been recommended that the RCA approach be taught to students through the use of detailed cases.…”

Developing Pharmacy Student Communication Skills through Role-Playing and Active Learning

“…15,16 Instruction on emotional intelligence, defined as the ability to appropriately control feelings to achieve shared team goals through improved communication, is useful. 17,18 Lecture-laboratory courses with standardized patients and scaffolding techniques also help to augment student communication skills.…”