Development of a Structured Communication and Counseling Skills Course for Pharmacy Students: A Simulation-based Approach

Objectives We aimed to develop a structured communication and counseling education program to improve pharmacy students' skills. Then, we objectively assessed this program by using simulated patients. The program aims to improve pharmacy students' communication and counseling skills by using a patient-centered approach. Materials and methods The study was conducted in three stages. First, a "Pharmacist-Patient Communication and Counseling Skills" education program was developed. Second, this program was implemented for pharmacy students. Third, the program was tested on volunteer students and evaluated for its effectiveness. Results The education program had a very large effect (Cohen's dz: 6.074) on improving students' communication and counseling skills, especially their empathy skills. Conclusion The education program achieved its goals. After demonstrating the program's success, a course was added to the pharmacy curriculum, and a communication skills laboratory was established in the school.