Strand 2 - The Impact of Technology

13:00 - 13:20 Assessing the Impact of a Newly Installed Medicines Dispensing Robot.
Bland J*, Young A**, Lindsey L*
* Newcastle University 
** Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

13:20 - 13:40 Virtual patient technology, to teach clinical pharmacists NOAC counselling – A Pilot Study
Richardson CL, Chapman S, White S, Keele University

A virtual patient (VP) tool to teach non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) counselling has been developed. It aims to help pharmacists and pre-registration pharmacists develop NOAC counselling ability, the VP may be used for continuing professional development. A pilot study tested the questionnaire planned for use in the wider VP evaluation. It used a pre- and post-intervention design, considering the VP’s usefulness and usability and changes in knowledge and confidence. The questionnaire used Likert scale and free-text questions. Participants were pharmacists from Keele University.

Prior to the pilot, participants reported varied confidence in NOAC counselling, after, there was an average increase in perceived ability of 22%, this was significant. There was great interest in the VP and responses were positive or neutral regarding the VP’s usability and enjoyability. Most would consider using it again and would recommend it, with some indicating they would change their practice. There were mixed responses regarding realism, the questioning methods, and case feedback. Participant’s reported no or only informal previous training of NOAC counselling, suggesting the VP’s potential. The questionnaire effectively gathered necessary data; considerations were made regarding validation. Participants felt the VP allowed for an opportunity to practice counselling, increasing knowledge and confidence.