The Pharmacy Game Newsletter

The international consortium group of Pharmacy Game users initiated conduct of a mutual activity across the universities. The purpose of this activity was to determine whether any university’s approach might inform others in the consortium, and where opportunities might exist for improvement.

A dermatological patient case was chosen for this purpose. The issue of cultural diversity and comprehensive inclusion of different patients’ backgrounds was considered. The patient case involved a simulated patient presenting to the pharmacy teams as a parent whose child had uncomplicated eczema and darker skin. While personal details of the case may be amended, it was anticipated that the simulated patient or actor in each of the universities would present the case consistently, while visiting all the pharmacies. As with all simulated patient cases, it was expected that information would only be revealed to the student-pharmacist in response to well-targeted and contextualized questions. Scenarios were designed to take no longer than ten minutes and the simulated patients were expected to keep to this time.

Students form each university demonstrated great communication skills, reflecting focus on the patient, active listening and assessment of the condition as well as explanation why they can not provide a prescription medicine. Moreover, students showed excellent dermatology and product knowledge, (e.g detailed counseling on use of emollients and topical corticosteroids) provided appropriate treatment and involved their patient's in the treatment decision.

Non-pharmacological advice, sufficient counseling regarding medication safety, showing empty and trigger identification were identified as areas for improvement. Having a simulated patient with darker skin made some students struggle giving the appropriate diagnosis. Therefore, more cases reflecting patient diversity are welcome for inclusion in the future Pharmacy Games around the world.