Student-created vignettes to enhance pharmacy student knowledge and skill in managing patients with neuropsychiatric disease

ABSTRACT

Backgound: Neuropsychiatric disease is common globally. It is vital train pharmacists to provide patient-centered care in neuropsychiatry. Objective: To evaluate the impact of student-created vignettes on their knowledge and abilities to assess and manage patients with neuropsychiatric diseases, and to evaluate their experience. Methods: Several learning/assessment methodologies within the Therapeutics III course were utilized, including a major assignment of student-created vignettes about neuropsychiatric diseases. A framework guided student in creating the vignettes; identifying conception, design, and administration. Created vignettes were evaluated based on a validated scoring guide. Mean scores in various assessments were compared using Spearman’s rank-order correlation. Students evaluated their experience on a 5-point Likert-type scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree. Results: Overall, students’ performance in the assignment was excellent, average score = 92%. A significant correlation existed between the vignette assignment and assessments covering neuropsychiatric disease. Most students agreed they were made aware of what needed to be done (95%), that the instructions about elements to include, designs, and delivery mechanisms were enough (93.4%, 86.7%, and 93.4%, respectively). Most students agreed that developing the vignette was stimulating, engaging and enjoyable (93.3% and 90%, 88.3% respectively). Students stated they felt confident in their scientific background knowledge (88.3%), in employing communication strategies with patients (85%) and their families (83.3%), and in their confidence in promoting and supporting patients with the diseases. (AU)