Abstract
Since the passing of the (guidelines aimed to augment the role of the pharmacists in 2010) pharmacists are required to conduct patient vital checks. As a result, the Pharmaceutical Education Model Core Curriculum require physical assessment (PA) competencies of students. In order to carry out physical assessment task, volunteer subjects need to be recruited and trained to perform the role of simulated patients (SPs). However, to date, there are few investigations into SP attitudes toward PA. The purpose of this study is to conduct a questionnaire to investigate SP attitudes towards PA, and their understanding of the current state of the home medical care system. Responses from the questionnaire show volunteer SPs had little knowledge about PA and the home medical care system. During vital check examinations, SPs were open to having their blood measured but were averse to auscultation. This bias was stronger in woman than men. In terms of future considerations, the questionnaire results suggest volunteer SPs need to be instructed on the benefits of having comprehensive vital check assessments as well as understand the meaning of the role they are asked to play in order to better authenticate the patient/pharmacist relationship. This is particularly important as the performance of vital checks have expanded to become a part of home medical care practices.
