The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review

Abstract Background Effective communication in healthcare, among professionals and between professionals and patients is crucial for delivering high-quality care. While simulation effectively translates technical skills to clinical practice, its impact on communication, particularly in pharmacies, i...

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Main Authors: Laura Foucault-Fruchard, Vanessa Michelet-Barbotin, Alison Leichnam, Martine Tching-Sin, Pierre Nizet, Sophie Tollec, Fabien Nativel, Elise Vene, Clémentine Fronteau, Jean-François Huon
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Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:BMC Medical Education
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06338-6
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author Laura Foucault-Fruchard
Vanessa Michelet-Barbotin
Alison Leichnam
Martine Tching-Sin
Pierre Nizet
Sophie Tollec
Fabien Nativel
Elise Vene
Clémentine Fronteau
Jean-François Huon
author_facet Laura Foucault-Fruchard
Vanessa Michelet-Barbotin
Alison Leichnam
Martine Tching-Sin
Pierre Nizet
Sophie Tollec
Fabien Nativel
Elise Vene
Clémentine Fronteau
Jean-François Huon
author_sort Laura Foucault-Fruchard
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Effective communication in healthcare, among professionals and between professionals and patients is crucial for delivering high-quality care. While simulation effectively translates technical skills to clinical practice, its impact on communication, particularly in pharmacies, is less well documented. Aim This systematic review examined the impact of simulation-based education on communication skills among pharmacy students and pharmacists. It aims to identify the types of simulations used, the outcomes obtained, and the effectiveness of these simulations in enhancing communication skills, perception and confidence. Method We conducted searches in MEDLINE, LISSA, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for articles on communication training through simulation for pharmacy students and pharmacists. The search covered the period from inception to August 31, 2022. To be included, studies had to meet the following criteria: (i) target pharmacy student or graduate pharmacists; (ii) use simulation in the field of clinical pharmacy; (iii) provide a complete description of the outcome measure. Studies for which it was impossible to extract data specific to pharmacy students or simulation were excluded. Three investigators independently evaluated each title and abstract. If each investigator considered the citation eligible, six authors progressed to full-text review. The outcomes related to communication were categorized into three groups: perception of the importance of communication in delivering high-quality patient care, confidence in communication skills, and assessed communication proficiency. The quality of studies included in this review was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results The total number of participants was 3337. Among the 20 articles reviewed, which were primarily published in the United States over the last decade, only one focused on community pharmacists. Quasi experimental designs were predominant, and studies often relied on learners' self-assessments with non-validated questionnaires. Simulation-based learning aimed to enhance communication skills and attitudes across interprofessional contexts (involving nursing and medical students), patients, and families, frequently utilizing simulated patients. Studies evaluating outcomes have emphasized communication skills with patients and families, while those involving healthcare professionals often focused on perception of the importance of communication in delivering high-quality patient care. Conclusion Despite study heterogeneity, this systematic review concluded that simulation-based training significantly enhances perception, confidence, and communication skills. The development of clear guidelines and standardized assessment tools to evaluate communication would significantly improve the validity and reliability of future research efforts (PROSPERO registration: n°CRD42022371915).
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spelling doaj-art-5d4384a41f4a4e8988876d1735876fec2025-08-20T02:31:38ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202024-12-0124111910.1186/s12909-024-06338-6The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic reviewLaura Foucault-Fruchard0Vanessa Michelet-Barbotin1Alison Leichnam2Martine Tching-Sin3Pierre Nizet4Sophie Tollec5Fabien Nativel6Elise Vene7Clémentine Fronteau8Jean-François Huon9CHU ToursCHU RennesNantes Université, CHU NantesNantes Université, CHU NantesNantes Université, CHU NantesCHU OrléansNantes Université, CHU NantesCHU RennesNantes Université, CHU NantesNantes Université, CHU NantesAbstract Background Effective communication in healthcare, among professionals and between professionals and patients is crucial for delivering high-quality care. While simulation effectively translates technical skills to clinical practice, its impact on communication, particularly in pharmacies, is less well documented. Aim This systematic review examined the impact of simulation-based education on communication skills among pharmacy students and pharmacists. It aims to identify the types of simulations used, the outcomes obtained, and the effectiveness of these simulations in enhancing communication skills, perception and confidence. Method We conducted searches in MEDLINE, LISSA, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for articles on communication training through simulation for pharmacy students and pharmacists. The search covered the period from inception to August 31, 2022. To be included, studies had to meet the following criteria: (i) target pharmacy student or graduate pharmacists; (ii) use simulation in the field of clinical pharmacy; (iii) provide a complete description of the outcome measure. Studies for which it was impossible to extract data specific to pharmacy students or simulation were excluded. Three investigators independently evaluated each title and abstract. If each investigator considered the citation eligible, six authors progressed to full-text review. The outcomes related to communication were categorized into three groups: perception of the importance of communication in delivering high-quality patient care, confidence in communication skills, and assessed communication proficiency. The quality of studies included in this review was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results The total number of participants was 3337. Among the 20 articles reviewed, which were primarily published in the United States over the last decade, only one focused on community pharmacists. Quasi experimental designs were predominant, and studies often relied on learners' self-assessments with non-validated questionnaires. Simulation-based learning aimed to enhance communication skills and attitudes across interprofessional contexts (involving nursing and medical students), patients, and families, frequently utilizing simulated patients. Studies evaluating outcomes have emphasized communication skills with patients and families, while those involving healthcare professionals often focused on perception of the importance of communication in delivering high-quality patient care. Conclusion Despite study heterogeneity, this systematic review concluded that simulation-based training significantly enhances perception, confidence, and communication skills. The development of clear guidelines and standardized assessment tools to evaluate communication would significantly improve the validity and reliability of future research efforts (PROSPERO registration: n°CRD42022371915).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06338-6SimulationCommunicationClinical pharmacyStudentsLearning
spellingShingle Laura Foucault-Fruchard
Vanessa Michelet-Barbotin
Alison Leichnam
Martine Tching-Sin
Pierre Nizet
Sophie Tollec
Fabien Nativel
Elise Vene
Clémentine Fronteau
Jean-François Huon
The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review
BMC Medical Education
Simulation
Communication
Clinical pharmacy
Students
Learning
title The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review
title_full The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review
title_fullStr The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review
title_full_unstemmed The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review
title_short The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review
title_sort impact of using simulation based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists a systematic review
topic Simulation
Communication
Clinical pharmacy
Students
Learning
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06338-6
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