Development, implementation, and pilot evaluation of a webbased virtual simulated learning environment for pharmacy practiceeducation

Background and aims: The science of education has combined with the growth of informationand communication technology and has created a new approach to learning called “e-learning”.The vast volume of information, the advent of information and communication technology, andits upward trend in a short period have led to a fundamental change in the field of medical educationand e-learning as an effective method to meet new educational needs such as virtual education.The purpose of this study is to provide a tool for teaching pharmacy internships, without theneed for a real educator.Methods: This study was conducted in the first and second half of ۱۳۹۸ at Isfahan University ofMedical Sciences. Using a computer program, a community pharmacy was simulated in as muchdetail as possible. The research team consisted of a project manager, a clinical pharmacist consultant,two web designers familiar with the database, and a graphic designer. In the scenario section,each student of the research group was required to enter ۴۰۰ copies and write ۴۰ scenarios onvarious topics. This version of the software has been designed and presented for the fourth year ofpharmacy students to get acquainted with different forms of medicines and to pass the internshipcourse in community pharmacy.Results: All pharmacy students who are eligible to take the pharmacy internship course can usethe (web-based) software. This software consists of several sections: ۱. Educational materials relatedto internship courses, ۲. Reading prescriptions and delivering the medications to the patientin a virtual pharmacy space, ۳. Clinical scenarios; including teaching medical advice to the patientby a pharmacy student.Conclusion: The prerequisite for success in the implementation of e-learning in medical universitiesis the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and standards before their implementationand continuation. Therefore, it is suggested that by applying the existing processes in theworld and using the experiences of leading countries in this field, the most appropriate method ofe-learning be selected and implemented.

کلیدواژه ها:

Internet-Based Intervention ، Space Simulation ، Education ، Pharmacy