Erini S. Serag-Bolos

How mobile devices are changing pharmacy practice

The first mobile devices to enter the market were the personal digital assistants (PDAs) of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and they ushered in the era of handheld computers. PDAs combined popular features of electronic tools (e.g., calculator) and computer apps applications (e.g., e-mail, calendar

Enhancing Student Knowledge Through a Comprehensive Oncology Simulation

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a comprehensive oncology simulation on pharmacy students’ knowledge and perceptions related to oncology pharmacy practice. Methods. Third-year pharmacy students at the University of South Florida completed an ovarian cancer case-based simulation. Stations involved patient-specific order set completion, counseling, order verification, and aseptic technique. Pre- and post-simulation assessments regarding therapeutic knowledge and aseptic technique as well as perceptions of pharmacists’ roles in oncology practice were evaluated. Results. All students (n=109, 100%) completed the pre- and post-simulation assessments. There was an increase in knowledge after the simulation, which was statistically significant in three of the six questions. Furthermore, students’ perceptions regarding pharmacist roles and self-confidence in ability to prepare patient-specific regimens increased on a 5-point Likert scale from 3.8 and 3.2 to 4.5 and 4.2 on the post-assessment, respectively. Conclusion. Participation in the simulation improved students’ oncology-related knowledge and perceived understanding of the roles of oncology pharmacists.

Development of a Student-Led Ambulatory Medication Reconciliation Program at an Academic Institution:

Objectives: To integrate fourth-year student pharmacists on advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) rotations within several different ambulatory clinics to perform medication reconciliations and enhance interdisciplinary practice. Methods: The study design was a descriptive, prospective multisite study among a variety of ambulatory care outpatient clinics. Student pharmacists were partnered with physicians to conduct medication reconciliations during clinic visits for 4 hours per week, with data collection from January 2016 to September 2016. This program originated from physician requests for additional pharmacy involvement and led to the development of a successful implementation strategy to involve student pharmacists in the medication reconciliation process. Results: Student pharmacists identified 537 medication discrepancies among 491 patients, including commission of medications (36%), documentation of previously omitted medications (27%), and incomplete patient allergy information (11%). Students spent an average of 10 minutes on each encounter. Conclusion: Documentation from this innovative program suggests improvement in medication reconciliation and enhanced patient care with limited time required of student pharmacists. A similar program could be developed and utilized at other clinical sites.

Board 213 - Program Innovations Abstract Assessing Students: Perceptions and Knowledge Regarding Care Transitions Through A Simulation Activity (Submission #1235)

Introduction/Background Transitions of care occur at many levels and across the entire spectrum of healthcare. Inadequate communication and insufficient care coordination are common challenges that arise during care transitions.1 Pharmacists are underutilized during care transitions, yet have the potential to enhance the process and improve patient outcomes.2 The objective of the simulation activity was to assess the change in student’ perceptions and knowledge of the various roles of pharmacists in care transitions. Methods A care transitions simulation was developed to highlight the roles of pharmacists in various clinical settings. Fifty one second year (P2) pharmacy students worked in groups of five and rotated through nin various stations. The students were surveyed prior to and following the two hour simulation to assess changes in their perception and knowledge of the roles of pharmacists. Fifty one P2 students participated in the simulation that was held at the University of South Florida Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS). Nine stations were developed to highlight the roles of pharmacists in various clinical settings. Such activities included but were not limited to, admixing intravenous solutions in the inpatient sterile preparation room, participating in a mock code in ICU and performing medication reconciliation with standardized patients. Survey questions utilized the Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Prior to the simulation, most of the students were aware of the pharmacist’s role in medication reconciliation (mean = 4.6), risk reduction of inappropriate medication use (mean = 4) and interdisciplinary programs (mean = 4.5). Following the simulation the student’ knowledge of the various roles increased. Results: Conclusion The development of transitions of care simulation enhanced the student’s understanding of the various roles pharmacists have in different settings. This simulation will be utilized in subsequent semesters with increasing case complexity and integration of electronic medical records into each station. This will continue to develop student’s understanding of care transitions and the significant impact that a pharmacist, as part of an interdisciplinary team has in ensuring the continuity of care. References 1. National Transitions of Care Coalition. Improving transitions of care; the vision of the National Transitions of Care Coalition. http:www.ntocc.org/Portals/0/PolicyPaper.pdf. Accessed May 2013. 2. Hume A, Kirwin J, Bieber H, et al. ACCP White Paper: Improving Care Transitions: Current Practice and Future Opportunities for Pharmacists. http://www.accp.com/docs/positions/whitePapers/PubProfReltns2010Paper_Final.pdf. Accessed May 2013. Disclosures None.