Pharmacy Practice Faculty Publications

Impact of the Geriatric Medication Game on Pharmacy Students' Attitudes Toward Older Adults

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2011

Journal Title

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education

ISSN

1553-6467

Volume

75

Issue

8

First Page

1

Last Page

7

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.5688/ajpe758158

PubMed ID

22102748

PubMed Central® ID

PMC3220339

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of participation in the Geriatric Medication Game on pharmacy students' perceptions of and attitudes toward older adults and familiarity with common disabilities that affect them and the process of seeking health care.

DESIGN: In the game, first-year pharmacy students "became" older adults during a 3-hour pharmacy practice laboratory. They were given aging-related challenges (eg, impaired vision or mobility) and participated as patients in simulated healthcare scenarios, such as a visit to a physician's office and a pharmacy.

ASSESSMENT: After playing the game, students completed a 5-question reflection about their experiences and attitudes toward older adults. Content analysis was performed to identify themes from 4 years of student (n = 625) reflections. Predominant themes included: improved attitudes toward older adults, better understanding of patient experiences, and increased willingness to provide assistance.

CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating the Geriatric Medication Game into the pharmacy curriculum may facilitate students' understanding of the challenges that older adults face and improve future interactions.

Keywords

Attitudes, pharmacy education, geriatrics, assessment, age factors, attitude of health personnel, curriculum, emotions, experimental games, humans, patient simulation, pharmacy students

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Article 158

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