Development of innovative simulation teaching for advanced general practice clinical pharmacists

Background. Advanced General Practice Clinical Pharmacists (GPCPs) are expected to manage patients by undertaking clinical assessment then make safe, competent autonomous decisions. Simulation provides a safe learning environment to develop clinical skills, but is rarely used for postgraduate pharmacist development. Aim. Design and deliver innovative simulation teaching to support Advanced GPCPs in Scotland. Setting. General Practice.Development. Experienced clinical pharmacy educators designed a simulation day with ten scenarios based on general practice clinical presentations. Learning objectives were mapped to the National Advanced GPCP competency framework. Implementation. Simulation took place at the National Skills Education Hub, Louisa Jordan National Hospital, Glasgow, November 2020. Participants were briefed prior to each immersive simulation. Mannequins were used if clinical signs were expected to be identified on examination. Verbal and written feedback was given after each simulation. Evaluation. Pre and post simulation questionnaires were developed. Increase in confidence and competence were reported in all areas pertaining to application of consultation and clinical skills. Qualitative comments from the participants regarding the training course were also favourable with respondents highlighting the value of the training, especially in terms of developing confidence via the real-time feedback. Conclusion. This innovative simulation evaluated as being of value to GPCPs in developing clinical confidence and competence when dealing with a variety of typical General Practice scenarios. Plans are underway to establish a Scottish Pharmacy Simulation Faculty which could support this training in each health board.