Creating tracing reports with role-play in pre-practical training simulated pharmacy

Abstract

Tracing reports (TR) are a tool for pharmacists to provide information and collaborate with physicians. In this study, pharmacy students practiced creating a TR in their pre-practical training at Kitasato University School of Pharmacy. The students participated in a role-play scenario of changing a prescription to a generic drug in the simulated pharmacy. They developed a TR after considering the information needed for the prescribing physician. A questionnaire was administered to the students after the role-play practice to evaluate the exercise. The survey was given to 272 students, with a 100% response rate. The results showed that 28.7% of the students knew the term TR before the exercise, and 98.1% answered that they “fully or somewhat understood” TR. Also, 88.3% believed they could prepare a TR and give the information to a physician during their upcoming pharmacy practice experiences. These results indicated that understanding and creating a TR in the pre-practical training within the controlled environment of the simulated pharmacy led to greater confidence in students to use this communication method in future practical training.