Student generation and peer review of examination questions in the dental curriculum: Enhancing student engagement and learning.

BACKGROUND: Writing, sharing, answering, discussing and rating examination questions are a way to involve students in creating content and applying their knowledge. The PeerWise online question-setting platform facilitates student communities in this activity. This mixed-methods study asks the question: Does students' writing and answering examination questions enhance their engagement and learning of Neurology as a Life Science topic? METHODS: Over a 2-year period, self-assembled groups of 3-4 students submitted 1-2 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) every 2 weeks into the PeerWise portal for review by their peers. Summative examination results were compared with previous year's control group. Data were also collected regarding student engagement (number of MCQs answered or submitted comments) are compared to summative assessment results at the end of semester. Post-intervention student satisfaction surveys were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively to assess the effectiveness of the exercise. RESULTS: With 174 and 80 student participants in intervention and control groups, respectively, no statistical difference was found in the average marks between the cohorts. However, within intervention group, positive correlation (Spearman's r = .272-.333) was found between higher level of student engagement with PeerWise and higher examination result. Positive correlation remained persistent after completion of the PeerWise exercise. Student survey revealed greater engagement with subject content, and qualitative thematic analysis was mapped to define various ways students engaged with the PeerWise activity. CONCLUSION: Tasking students to regularly generate and review MCQs enhances engagement with the topic, and higher engagement with PeerWise correlating to higher examination scores.

Considerations for conducting a scoping review in pharmacy education.

Interrogating the literature is among the first steps a researcher undertakes when actuating a research project or also when any scholar might seek to know what has been done in an area, best practices for conducting a certain activity, or simply to seek answers for a question ranging from one's own personal curiosity to those that might affect departmental or institutional guidance. Decisions on the type of review process to undertake is one that is not taken lightly. This methods commentary outlines the reasons for conducting a scoping review versus a systematic review for topics related to pharmacy education. Considerations for conducting the scoping review are outlined including considerations for writing a protocol prior to conducting a scoping review, to potential platforms to use for transparency of sharing data, processes related to guidelines for data extraction and types of search strategies utilized.

Development of an adaptation framework to implement a new professional pharmacy service (PPS) to a new environment.

The effective provision of professional pharmacy services is critical to support the delivery of primary health care. Structured frameworks and theoretical strategies are required to facilitate successful service implementation processes, outcomes and sustainability. This commentary discusses the considerations of what framework (adoption versus adaptation) would be suitable when implementing a new professional pharmacy service to a new environment. Utilizing Minor Ailments Services (MASs) as an exemplar as a professional pharmacy service case study, the research that underpinned these considerations enabled the development of a sequential, phased framework. There is the potential to utilize this framework for future evolving professional pharmacy services in the new setting.

Avoiding controversy: Considerations for point-of-view nursing simulations.

Point-of-view simulations involve participants engaging in simulation to experience what it might be like to live with a health condition or disability. These types of simulations have been used frequently in nurse education as a valuable pedagogical tool, as research has shown that student engagement with point-of-view simulations increases student empathy. However, point-of-view simulations have also been problematised by disability community members and scholars researching in the disability space, as ableist and culturally unsafe. This manuscript explores recommendations for, and criticisms of, point-of-view simulations and offers considerations to address these concerns.

Further development of the reflective practice questionnaire.

Background: This article provides an update of the Reflective Practice Questionnaire (RPQ). The original RPQ consisted of 40-items with 10-sub-scales. In this article, the RPQ is streamlined into a 10-item single reflective practice construct, and a 30-item extended version that includes additional sub-scales of confidence, uncertainty/stress, and work satisfaction. Methods: A total of 501 university students filled out an online questionnaire that contained the original Reflective Practice Questionnaire, and two general measures of reflection: The Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire. Results: Based on factor analysis, the RPQ was streamlined into a brief 10-item version, and an extended 30-item version. Small positive correlations were found between the RPQ reflective practice measure and the two measures of general reflection, providing discriminant validity evidence for the RPQ. The RPQ was found to be sensitive to differences among industries, whereas the general measures of reflection were not. Average reflective practice scores were higher for health and education industries compared to retail and food/accommodation industries.

Community Pharmacists' Views on the Early Stages of Implementation of a National Pilot Independent Prescribing Service in Wales: A Qualitative Study.

Background: A pilot Independent Prescribers' Service (IPS) was introduced in 13 community pharmacies across Wales in June 2020. Independent Pharmacist Prescribers (IPPs) could prescribe in the areas of management of acute conditions, contraception, or opioid withdrawal, as agreed with local commissioners. Access to the patients' medical records was provided via Choose Pharmacy, the national community pharmacy IT platform. Objective: To explore the experiences of IPPs delivering the service and commissioners responsible for financial resources regarding the IPS in Wales. Methods: A qualitative methodology was employed, with purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews, and inductive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were constructed from 13 interviews (n=9 IPPs; n=4 commissioners): (i) patient experience and safety; (ii) professional enablement and rebalancing workload of GPs; (iii) role and limitations of remote consultations; (iv) funding and business model; (v) functionality on Choose Pharmacy to support patient care. The design of the service allowed pharmacists to determine how best to deliver the IPS, maximizing access for patients and promoting a sense of professional value amongst pharmacists. Conclusion: This study builds on the body of evidence on enhanced patient experience with prescribing services in the community, reinforcing that IPPs have a key role in rebalancing management of common conditions from GP surgeries to community pharmacies. Several considerations need to be addressed to ensure future success of the service implementation, delivery and enhanced sustainability, such as formal referral pathways and access to medical records. These can be used by other commissioning bodies in the UK and internationally to build a network of suitably supported IPPs, confident to appropriately deal with uncomplicated acute and chronic conditions; and liaise with primary and/or secondary care when referrals are needed.

Clinical yarning with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples-a systematic scoping review of its use and impacts.

OBJECTIVES: To explore how clinical yarning has been utilised as a health intervention for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and if there are any reported impacts yarning might have on health outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic scoping review of published literature. DATA SOURCES: A one-word search term "yarning" was applied in Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Australian Public Affairs Information Service-Health, and the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Bibliography databases. Databases were searched from inception to May 20, 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included where clinical yarning had been used as a health intervention. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed and applied according to PRISMA systematic and scoping review reporting methods. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 375 manuscripts were found from the initial data search. After removal of duplicates and removal of manuscripts based on abstract review, a total of 61 studies underwent full-text review. Of these, only five met the inclusion criteria of utilising yarning as a clinical intervention. Four of these studies described consumer self-reported health outcomes, with only one study looking at improvements in objective physiological health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst clinical yarning may be a culturally appropriate intervention in healthcare, there are limited studies that have measured the impact of this intervention. Further research may be needed to ascertain the true benefits of this intervention.

Reflective Practice: Co-Creating Reflective Activities for Pharmacy Students.

Reflective practice is important in pharmacy education to support skill development for decision-making, critical thinking, problem-solving, and in continuing professional development and beyond. Despite the importance of reflective practice in higher education and professional practice, reflection assignments are not universally embraced by students. This project was initiated due to recent interest in the co-creation of pharmacy curriculum by students and faculty. The purpose of this project was to develop reflection assignments for pharmacy students. The principles of the analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design framework guided the development of reflection assignment templates for three focus areas: personal development, professional development, and professional identity formation. Templates included background and definitions for these specific focus areas as well as objectives, instructions, guiding questions, assessment methods, and submission requirements. A previously tested assessment rubric was adopted for reflection assignments. Development involved target audience and expert reviews and a trial implementation was held in a year 3 patient care skills course. The co-creation process enriched the experiences of students and faculty involved in it. Future co-creation projects including groups of students, formal evaluation of outcomes, and impact on the program will further support integration of reflective practice in the pharmacy curriculum.

Collaborative co-design and evaluation of an immersive virtual reality application prototype for communication rehabilitation (DISCOVR prototype).

PURPOSE: Virtual reality (VR) lends itself to communication rehabilitation by creating safe, replicable, and authentic simulated environments in which users learn and practice communication skills. The aim of this research was to obtain the views of health professionals and technology specialists on the design characteristics and usability of a prototype VR application for communication rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine professionals from different health and technology disciplines participated in an online focus group or individual online interview to evaluate the application and use of the VR prototype. Data sources were analysed using a content thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes relating to VR design and implementation in rehabilitation were identified: (i) designing rehabilitation-focused virtual worlds; (ii) understanding and using VR hardware; (iii) making room for VR in rehabilitation and training; and (iv) implementing VR will not replace the health professional's role. DISCUSSION: Health professionals and technology specialists engaged in co-design while evaluating the VR prototype. They identified software features requiring careful consideration to ensure improved usability, client safety, and success in communication rehabilitation outcomes. Continuing inclusive co-design, engaging health professionals, clients with communication disability, and their families will be essential to creating useable VR applications and integrating these successfully into rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitationHealth and technology professionals, along with clients, are integral to the co-design of new VR technology applications.Design of VR applications needs to consider the client's communication, physical, cognitive, sensory, psychosocial, and emotional needs for greater usability of these programs.Realism and authenticity of interactions, characters, and environments are considered important factors to allow users to be fully immersed in virtual simulations to enhance rehabilitation.

Establishing consensus for the education, training and assessment requirements of community pharmacy staff to deliver minor ailments services: A modified Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: Minor ailments services (MASs) are pharmacy-based and support individuals to manage minor conditions. MASs are delivered by community pharmacists and non-pharmacist staff. Limited information exists regarding education, training, assessment requirements, and suitability of existing processes to support MAS delivery. The purpose of this study was to determine consensus amongst multiple stakeholder participants regarding these processes. METHODS: A modified Delphi process was utilized. Phase 1 consisted of stakeholder participants completing two rounds of an online questionnaire responding to Likert-items (Round 1 [R1] [n = 46]; Round 2 [R2] [n = 34]). Phase 2 consisted of three teleconference rounds discussing items that did not achieve consensus in the previous two rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥80% panel agreement. RESULTS: Forty MASs stakeholders participated in the study. MASs stakeholder participants included community pharmacists (n = 7), pharmacy student graduate pharmacist (n = 4), non-pharmacist staff (n = 13), faculty staff/academics (n = 5), general practitioners (n = 5), and individuals affiliated with pharmacy professional organizations (n = 6). Consensus was achieved on 22 of 46 statements in R1, 8 of 34 statements in R2, and 21 of 27 statements in Phase 2. CONCLUSIONS: It may be useful for MAS education and training to consider the clinical and non-clinical elements of service delivery. Training should be available to all community pharmacy staff. The results of this study may be useful to policymakers and professional organizations to enhance existing curricula or inform training guidelines for MAS delivery.

Implementing a Novel Software Program to Support Pharmacy Students' Reflective Practice in Scientific Research.

Objective. To explore pharmacy students' perceptions of a novel web application tool (AcaWriter) implemented in a Master of Pharmacy curriculum to support reflective thinking in scientific research.Methods. A qualitative research design involving a 50-minute focus group (n=12) was used. The focus group session was audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using the Braun and Clarke framework.Results. Analysis generated four themes related to AcaWriter's utility in enhancing students' research thinking and capacity. The themes identified included: ease of use to prompt reflection, tangible tool with non-judgmental capacity; benefits for enhancing self and peer reflection on research techniques and group dynamics; benefits of the reflective writing process to enhance research capacity compared with engaging in reflective dialogue; and benefits beyond the writing process: cultivating self-improvement and self-confidence.Conclusion. The findings of this study show that a novel web application implemented within a pharmacy curriculum can assist students' self and peer reflection on a research task. Further research is needed to explore the impact of using this tool and its relationship with academic performance and outcomes.

Exploration of health professional stakeholders' views and experiences regarding minor ailments services' education, training and assessment.

Background Minor ailments services are structured pharmacy-based primary health care services that manage minor conditions. Limited training, education and assessment exists to promote the delivery of minor ailments services by pharmacy staff and it is unclear if the existing training and education processes meet professional requirements. Objective To explore the views and experiences of health professional stakeholders such as community pharmacists, intern pharmacists, medicines counter assistants and general medical practitioners with regards to minor ailments services education, training and assessment practices and preferences. Setting This study explored the views and experiences of health professional stakeholders in Australia. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and then coded thematically using QSR Nvivo12. Main outcome measure Stakeholders' views and experiences regarding minor ailments services education, training and assessment practices and preferences. Results Twenty-eight interviews were conducted (community pharmacists n = 12; medicines counter assistants n = 4; intern pharmacists n = 9; general medical practitioners n = 3). Thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) pharmacy staff who require minor ailment service training; (2) acceptability and willingness to complete additional training; (3) learning preferences and approaches. Stakeholders reported considerations for the diverse roles in service delivery and fit for purpose tailored training. Conclusion Detailed practice guidelines may facilitate clarity of an individual staff member's role. Education and training in both clinical and non-clinical aspects of the service may be beneficial and may improve minor ailments service uptake and outcomes.

'With my heart and eyes open': Nursing students' reflections on placements in Australian, urban Aboriginal organisations.

Research has demonstrated that students who have immersive experiences in Indigenous settings emerge with a greater understanding of their own values and attitudes and increased appreciation for Indigenous Peoples and culture. Up to 80% of Indigenous people in Australia live in urban settings, yet research on nursing students' placements in urban Indigenous organisations is scarce. This manuscript presents qualitative findings from the analysis of eight third year nursing students' reflective essays, written iteratively across a three-week placement in urban Aboriginal organisations. Reflective journaling was employed as a pedagogical method. All the students reported experiencing profound personal and professional growth. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes 'Working with experience and uncertainty', 'Developing acceptance and understanding' and Becoming allies and advocates'. From the findings, it is evident that despite the logistical issues of a small Indigenous population and a vast nursing cohort, it is important to ensure that all nursing students have opportunities to engage authentically with Indigenous people, in places and spaces of Indigenous authority, and opportunities to reflect on their learnings in the context of their previous understandings.

Establishing consensus for general practice pharmacist education: A Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: An evolving area of pharmacist professional practice is performing as team members in general practice teams. To date, there is a paucity of literature to guide schools and colleges of pharmacy regarding the educational needs of pharmacists training for this area of practice. METHODS: This study employed a three-round e-Delphi method with the aim of establishing a consensus position on educational needs of pharmacists intending to work in the general practice setting. Educators from all Australian universities with a pharmacy school were invited to participate as part of the expert panel. Delphi panellists completed two e-survey rounds. A panel videoconference was then completed with results of the discussion confirmed in a final third e-survey. This study defined a proportion of experts rating agree or strongly agree at ≥75% to determine consensus and disagree or strongly disagree at ≥75% to determine non-consensus. RESULTS: Ten of the 18 invited panellists agreed to participate in the study and completed both survey rounds; nine panellists completed the third-round survey. Twenty-six general practice pharmacist activities were identified as educational needs. Seventeen general practice pharmacist activities required no additional training. Five general practice pharmacist activities did not reach consensus. CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the first investigations of educational needs of pharmacists wishing to practice in the general practice setting. The panel differentiated between activities that could be performed by less experienced pharmacists operating at a general level and those that would require further training.

Enhancing pre-licenced pharmacists' communication and interprofessional collaboration utilizing the RIPE model of interprofessional learning: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Interacting and engaging with other health care professionals can enhance communication and collaboration within the multidisciplinary healthcare team, contributing to improved patient safety and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To explore the student learning experience utilizing the Reflective Interprofessional Education Model (RIPE) model of interprofessional learning. METHODS: Qualitative study utilizing data from seven (7) focus groups sessions. Data were transcribed verbatim using a transcribing service; and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's 6-phase process for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-five Master of Pharmacy pre-licenced students (male n = 25; female: n = 30) participated in the study. The 7 focus groups consisted of 6-8 participants ranging between 18 and 28 min in duration. Thematic analysis generated four key themes: (i) Time management: managing interruptions in a time pressured acute care environment is challenging but necessary; (ii) Learning the Lingo: patient-centered communicating and engaging patients and family in care; (iii) Communication: developing interprofessional communication as a vital skill for healthcare professionals; and (iv) Teamwork: recognizing the importance of teamwork, relationships and respect. CONCLUSIONS: Students found the simulated, acute care setting challenging for effective communication and collaboration with other health professional team members. It was also perceived that critical patient information can be lost or misinterpreted if there is poor interprofessional communication and collaboration, contributing to iatrogenesis and poor patient outcomes. Effective collaboration was perceived to be beneficial to enhancing confidence with engagement and communication, appreciation and respect for the expertise of other healthcare professions.

Educational needs of community pharmacy staff in minor ailment service delivery: A systematic scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Minor ailment services (MASs) are structured, protocol driven pharmacy services established locally or nationally. Community pharmacy staff may benefit from education and training to deliver MASs. Our objective was to examine the evidence regarding training, education, and assessment requirements associated with the delivery of MASs by community pharmacists and other community pharmacy staff. METHODS: Two independent literature search strategies were conducted to examine the grey literature and scientific literature. Inclusion criteria consisted of English written literature related to the training of pharmacists, medicine counter assistants (MCAs), pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students in the context of MASs. RESULTS: Sixty-six grey literature records (n = 57) and scientific articles (n = 9) met inclusion criteria. Most trainings targeted community pharmacists and focused on clinical care aspects that did not include guidance on service parameters and MAS delivery. Training lacked uniformity and varied in terms of time commitment, cost, curricula, and assessment processes. Limited training was identified for community pharmacy staff, particularly MCAs. IMPLICATIONS: MAS training is primarily provided for community pharmacists, with scant MAS training for community pharmacy support staff. Furthermore, existing training for any stakeholder group did not include guidance pertaining to service delivery. A structured training approach for the entire community pharmacy team is recommended to promote MAS outcomes and deliver a robust, high quality service. Detailed protocols and guidelines may be needed to ensure skilled MAS providers can deliver quality patient care.

Game changer: Pharmacy students' perceptions of an educational "Party Hat" game to enhance communication and collaboration skills.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Educational games can be utilized as a tool to enhance communication and collaboration skill development and to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practice environment. This study explores pharmacy students' perceptions of a game to enhance communication and collaboration. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Pre-licenced pharmacy students from an Australian metropolitan university engaged in a "Party Hat" game, where the goal was to communicate and collaborate with their peers to provide a discharge plan for a patient. "Party hats" with different instructions (e.g., agree with everything they say) were randomly provided to all students. Students were not privy to the instruction on their own party hat. The other students in the group were required to adhere to the instruction on their peers' hats while communicating. To gauge barriers to effective communication and collaboration, a debriefing session was conducted and written feedback was obtained. The debriefing session was transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted. FINDINGS: Forty-nine students participated in the game. All students provided written feedback, and 15 students participated in the debriefing session. Emergent themes included: (1) inherent biases affecting communication and patient outcomes, (2) importance for an effective group leader, (3) importance for respect for other opinions, and (4) words can affect people. SUMMARY: Effective communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals is an important skill. Using educational games to engage students is one of the ways in which educators can teach students the importance of delivering effective communication and of engaging in collaboration with their peers for better patient outcomes.

Pharmacy Students' Utilization of an Online Tool for Immediate Formative Feedback on Reflective Writing Tasks.

Objective. To assess pharmacy students' perceptions of the benefits and utility of a novel online reflective-writing tool. Methods. After completing a required Academic Writing Analytics (AWA) workshop, Master of Pharmacy students submitted a reflective writing assignment in the AWA web application. A six-item survey was administered to students prior to and immediately after using AWA. Results. Sixty students volunteered to participate in the study; however, only 39 students provided a pseudonym that allowed their pretest and posttest to be matched. A comparison of students' responses on the pretest with those on the posttest, which was administered four weeks after the workshop, suggest a noticeable increase in agreement with AWA's benefits as an effective, online tool for improving their reflective learning skills. Conclusion. This novel online tool has the potential to assist pharmacy students with self-critiquing and improving their reflective writing assignments prior to submission. Furthermore, as the elements of reflection are transferable, this tool has the potential to be used in other educational contexts.

Virtual Pharmacy Programs to Prepare Pharmacy Students for Community and Hospital Placements.

Objective. To explore and evaluate pharmacy students' perceptions of the value and relevance of virtual community and virtual hospital on-campus placement programs. Methods. Students enrolled in a Master of Pharmacy program completed the required Virtual Community Placement (VCP) program and/or the Virtual Hospital Placement (VHP) program. A six-item questionnaire was administered to students after completion of each of the virtual programs to elicit students' perceptions of the value and relevance of the virtual programs. Additional data related to the relevance of specific workshops were collected, including students' self-reported confidence levels to undertake placement in a real-world setting following completion of the virtual programs. Results. Surveys were completed by 61 students in the VCP program and 50 students in the VHP program. Students perceived the virtual programs to be beneficial, with the majority (84% of the VCP students and 98% of the VHP students) reporting that the programs should be an essential component of any pharmacy degree. The majority of students (72%) self-reported an increase in their confidence levels in undertaking a real-world experiential placement after they completed their virtual hospital placement. Conclusion. Completing virtual placement programs prior to pharmacy students beginning their first "real world" pharmacy placements had a positive effect on student learning and confidence levels. Pharmacy students' feedback from this study regarding the relevance of specific learning modules and laboratory sessions will inform future curriculum development of the virtual placement programs.

How do mental health first aid ™ interventions influence patient help-seeking behaviours? A dilemma for pharmacist mental health first aid responders.

In any given year approximately 34% of the 130 million adults in the United States suffer from a mental health condition or disorder. Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common followed by substance use disorder. Many people who suffer from a mental illness do not seek help. Studies have shown that the stigma of being perceived as having a mental illness prevents many adults from seeking help. Mental Health First Aid ™ (MHFA) is an educational program geared towards educating MHFA responders to assist those who may be experiencing a mental health condition or disorder. Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals, and many are trained in delivering MHFA. The literature on MHFA suggests that it is an effective educational program for those that take the training course. What is lacking is evidence that MHFA interventions positively affect help-seeking behaviours after an intervention has occurred between a mental health first air responder and an individual requiring MHFA. This paper highlights this issue and provides suggestions for future research.