Student-driven innovation: Developing pre-IPPE virtual simulations with MyDispense
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.251.230246Keywords:
Community pharmacy, Curriculum, MyDispense, Simulation, Student research, Virtual environmentAbstract
Introduction: This paper describes involving student pharmacists in a summer research fellowship to develop pre-IPPE virtual simulation cases by interviewing practicing pharmacy preceptors.
Description of innovation: Two student pharmacists were awarded research fellowships to work on a MyDispense project. They interviewed pharmacy preceptors to determine relevant case topics, focusing on areas requiring more practice, uncommon dispensing situations, and common medication errors. Based on the interviews, the students developed six cases: medication dispensing and counseling (3), immunization schedules (2), and recognizing invalid prescriptions (1). These cases were assigned to P1 students to complete prior to their community IPPEs.
Novelty: This approach highlighted the involvement of research students in developing MyDispense cases. The use of preceptor interviews ensured the cases were relevant to current practice and led to the inclusion of scenarios that students may not regularly encounter during their IPPE rotations.
Implementation and future plans: Involving research students in case development proved beneficial by reducing faculty workload and providing hands-on experience for students. Future plans include expanding to other areas of the curriculum and incorporating new features of MyDispense.
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