Integrating virtual simulation (MyDispense) for teaching Pharmacy curriculum

MyDispense, a web-based pharmacy simulation program, allows students to assume the role of a pharmacist to evaluate, verify, and dispense a prescription in a virtual pharmacy setting. The aim of this study was to create MyDispense simulation activities to teach Pharmacy curriculum within a therapeutic unit and measure its effects on student perception and learning. Clinical Practitioners reviewed existing case-based teaching material and incorporated new elements to the cases, to simulate the identification, resolution and documentation of medication related problems. A secondary review was conducted and cases were built onto the MyDispense web-based platform. Cases were designed with a primary focus of teaching contraception and diabetes patient-centred management and counselling. In addition, a complex case was designed to include real-life complexities such as prioritisation of tasks, conflict resolution and patient-centred care to better simulate an authentic experience. Virtual simulations such as MyDispense, offer an authentic teaching tool for Pharmacy curriculum.