Objective: To implement a simulation-based introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) and determine its effectiveness in assessing pharmacy students' core domain abilities prior to beginning advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE).
Design: A 60-hour IPPE that used simulation-based techniques to provide clinical experiences was implemented. Twenty-eight students were enrolled in this simulation IPPE, while 60 were enrolled in hospital and specialty IPPEs within the region.
Assessment: The IPPE assessed 10 out of 11 of the pre-APPE core domain abilities, and on the practical examination, 67% of students passed compared to 52% of students in the control group. Students performed better on all 6 knowledge quizzes after completing the simulation IPPE. Based on scores on the Perception of Preparedness to Perform (PREP) survey, students felt more prepared regarding "technical" aspects after completing the simulation experience (p<0.001). Ninety-six percent of the respondents agreed with the statement "I am more aware of medication errors after this IPPE."
Conclusion: Simulation is an effective method for assessing the pre-APPE abilities of pharmacy students, preparing them for real clinical encounters, and for making them more aware of medication errors and other patient safety issues.
Keywords: ability; advanced pharmacy practice experience; introductory pharmacy practice experience; simulation; standardized patients.