This article discusses use of a simulation to gauge the effectiveness of self-medication consultation training (SMCT) for pharmacy students, preparing them to consult with patients requesting relief for a cough. According to the authors, in India, where the study occurred, it is common for people to go to a pharmacist for assistance with symptoms like coughs, but pharmacists need to be able to elicit key information in order to provide them with appropriate advice. The simulation, which involved 10 pharmacists or pharmacy interns who were trained as SPs and 90 students, evaluated the effectiveness of the students’ questioning and advice before and after SMCT. The authors found that “(p)articipants who questioned about the severity, medical conditions and previous/current medications in the simulated patients provided appropriate advice than students’ pharmacist who did not enquired these questions” and “collecting appropriate information is positively linked in delivering appropriate advice to the patient.” They also note that the process helped students to “improve and build their communication, knowledge, confidence, skills and competency skills.”

 

Read the full article in the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal here.

 

Communications and Connections Committee Mission: “To bring high-quality reporting of current research, trends, techniques, and information regarding SP methodology and other relevant industry articles to the attention of the membership through the web-based ASPE eNews blog.”