Combining rhetoric and role-play to introduce and develop patient presentation skills in third year pharmacy students

To implement a mock rounds activity designed to introduce and develop patient presentation skills in pharmacy students. The sample population included third-year pharmacy students enrolled at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) during Fall 2011, 2012, and 2013. A mock rounds activity was developed and implemented in the Pharmaceutical Care Lab setting. Students were assigned an infectious disease case and asked to create an assessment and plan to present orally to an acting preceptor in a small group laboratory setting. Summative assessment of student performance was evaluated using a standardized rubric. A total of 621 students (VCU: 371; UNM: 250) from both universities participated in the mock rounds activity. Data was collected using the rubric. Students scored highest in the areas of respectfulness (94.8% exceeds expectations) and completion time (86.9% exceeds expectations). The lowest ratings were in the areas of logical flow and organization (73.7% exceeds expectations) and ability to answer preceptors’ questions (73.3% exceeds expectations). A simulated mock rounds activity enabled students to practice patient case presentation skills and receive summative feedback prior to Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences.