Simulation-Based Learning About Medication Management Difficulties of Low-Vision Patients

Abstract

Objective. To implement and evaluate a simulation activity and related assignments within a geriatric elective to teach pharmacy students about the medication management difficulties experienced by low-vision patients. Design. Students wore low-vision simulation goggles while engaging in medication management tasks. Students also reflected on their experiences in journals and developed modalities to improve low-vision patients' access to prescription information. Assessment. Results of a perception survey indicated that students were able to identify and differentiate among various low-vision medication management difficulties. Students' reflections suggested that they recognized the challenges encountered by low-vision patients. All patient assistance project submissions were suitable for the targeted populations and medication management difficulties. Peer review and student feedback of the activities were favorable. Conclusion. Through this low-vision goggle simulation exercise and other activities, students were able to identify the medication management difficulties encountered by low-vision patients and propose solutions to their drug information access problems.

Active-Learning Diabetes Simulation in an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience to Develop Patient Empathy

“…1 To further enhance a learner-centered style of education, health-related disciplines have added simulation projects to some courses to further highlight aspects of certain disease states and patient populations. These include disability/rehabilitation, 2 low-vision, 3 schizophrenia, 4 HIV/AIDS, 5 pediatrics, 6 and geriatrics. 7 Such activelearning educational strategies are encouraged within pharmacy curricula, as they are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Guidelines 8 as a means of stimulating higher-order cognition, such as problem solving and critical thinking.…”

An Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience on Improving Medication Adherence

“…[13][14][15]17,18 Various types of simulations have been used in health disciplines as a mechanism to help students understand patients and develop empathy. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Students generally find these experiences valuable and believe they should be incorporated as part of the core curriculum. 14 Because an estimated 20% to 50% of patients are nonadherent with prescribed medications, adherence training is a fundamental component in the education of pharmacy students.…”

Functional vision changes in the normal and aging eye

“…Zagar and Baggarly (2010) in fact point out that individuals with visual impairment have difficulty reading prescription and nonprescription medication information. Zagar and Baggarly (2010) in fact point out that individuals with visual impairment have difficulty reading prescription and nonprescription medication information.…”