Evaluation of an individualized vs non-specific standardized patient activity in improving communication skills amongst pharmacy students

• Published in: Currents in pharmacy teaching and learning Vol. 11; no. 6; pp. 603 - 608
• Main Authors: Cobb, Brooklyn T., Bowen, Jane F., Pontiggia, Laura, Koffer, Katherine F., Scholtz, Jean M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2019
• Subjects: Communication skills; Education; Simulated patient; Standardized patient; Student communication; Student communication; Simulated patient; Standardized patient; Communication skills; Education
• ISSN: 1877-1297; 1877-1300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2019.02.022

To evaluate the impact of two standardized patient (SP) approaches on student communication skills and self-perceived confidence. Second professional year pharmacy students were assessed on overall and area of improvement (AOI) communication skills and self-perceived confidence. Students were invited to participate in a SP intervention activity, following a fall and before a spring class assessment, where they were randomized to an individualized or non-specific SP group. Communication skills were assessed using a four component 64-point rubric; confidence was assessed using an 11-question Likert-type survey. Nineteen students participated in the SP intervention activity; 11 students comprised the individualized group and eight students comprised the non-specific group. Students in the individualized group demonstrated a significantly higher median change in AOI communication scores compared to the non-specific group [five points vs. three points, respectively (p = 0.033)]. There was a significantly higher median change in overall communication skills in the individualized compared to the non-specific group of 12 points and 6.5 points, respectively (p = 0.017). Student self-perceived confidence in the individualized and non-specific group showed similar improvements overall from pre- to post assessment [seven points vs. eight points, respectively (p = 0.62)]. The use of SPs in pharmacy curricula can improve student communication skills. However, tailoring the activity to students' needs significantly improves their communication AOI and overall communication skill scores more than a non-specific activity. Student self-perceived confidence improved similarly in both groups, although no statistically significant differences were found between groups.