Assessing the Benefits of Simulation-Based Learning for Emergency Preparedness Training in the Hospital Pharmacy Dispensary.

Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been used in various professions to fill knowledge gaps and facilitate training in essential skills. The concept of SBL in hospital pharmacy dispensaries is new, and evidence is still emerging. Preparing for operational emergencies in the hospital pharmacy dispensary setting is crucial for maintaining effective and safe provision of essential services.

Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the proportion of staff who thought simulations were effective in preparing them for real-world operational emergencies in the dispensary. A key secondary objective was to report the proportion of staff who would prefer to participate in additional simulations.

Methods: This study involved developing, executing (from September to December 2022), and reflecting on 3 simulations: (1) system downtime, (2) power outage, and (3) major water leak. Participants completed a paper-based survey before and after each simulation to evaluate the perceived benefit of the simulation as a tool for emergency preparedness training in the pharmacy dispensary.

Results: In simulation 1, only 1 of 12 participants felt effectively prepared before the simulation, compared with 10 of 12 participants after. In simulation 2, the proportions were 1 of 10 participants before the simulation and 8 of 10 participants after. In simulation 3, the proportions were 2 of 12 participants before and all 12 participants after. Most participants across all 3 simulations expressed a preference to participate in future simulations.

Conclusions: Most pharmacy staff perceived that simulations in the pharmacy dispensary were beneficial as a tool for operational emergency preparedness training and wanted to participate in future simulations.