A Comparison between a Simulation-Based and Traditional Direct Patient Care Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Background: In the United States, the A cc r ed i t a t i on C ounc i l on P ha rm a cy E duca t i on recently allowed t he i nc l us i on of s i m u la t i on i n t he introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) cu rr i cu l um. Aims: To compare the effects of a simulation IPPE on students' preparedness versus those enrolled in traditional IPPEs.  Methods: Twenty eight students were randomised to a simulation based IPPE and 60 to various practice sites. Students completed the 'Perception of their Preparedness to Perform'(PREP) survey, an agreement and a confidence survey. Students also completed a practical exam.  Results: There was no difference in the PREP survey. There was significant difference between the two arms in 9/13 items on the agreement survey and confidence in the 'use of drug information resources' and 'looking up information in a patient's record'( p= 0.01). More students in the simulation arm passed the practical exam (67% vs. 52%).  Conclusion: The results of this study show that a simulation based IPPE is non-inferior to traditional IPPEs in providing select IPPEs.