(192) Simulated Patient Experiences to Improve Pharmacy Student Empathy for Patients with Chronic Diseases

Objective : To assess the impact that two simulated patient activities have on pharmacy student empathy levels.

Methods: Two new simulated patient modules were implemented in the Fall 2022 semester. Each module included a lecture, followed by a hands-on simulation activity. Second-year (P2) students were lectured on medication adherence, then completed a one-week simulation using mints to simulate attempting to adhere to taking multiple medications. Third-year (P3) students were lectured on continuous glucose monitors (CGM), then wore a CGM for two weeks. Baseline, post-lecture, and post-simulation empathy levels were assessed using the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES).

Results: A total of 77 students completed a module, with 40 P2 students completing the medication adherence module and 37 P3 students completing the CGM module. Overall average KCES scores (out of 105) were 86.8 at baseline and 88.2 after lecture (p=.06). After simulation, the average KCES score was 94.3 (p=.007 compared to baseline, p=.01 compared to post-lecture). For the P2 medication adherence module, average KCES scores were 84.8 at baseline and 86.8 after lecture (p=.07). After simulation, the average KCES score was 92.1 (p=.006 compared to baseline, p=.01 compared to post-lecture). For the P3 CGM module, average KCES scores were 88.2 at baseline and 90.5 after lecture (p=.06). After simulation, the average KCES score was 96.7 (p=.008 compared to baseline, p=.01 compared to post-lecture).

Conclusions: This study found a non-significant increase in empathy scores after a lecture, but significantly increased scores after a simulation. Inclusion of a simulation activity in education can be helpful to develop empathy in pharmacy students.