Simulation-based Learning About Medication Management Difficulties of Low-vision Patients

Objective: To implement and evaluate a simulation activity and related assignments within a geriatric elective to teach pharmacy students about the medication management difficulties experienced by low-vision patients.

Design: Students wore low-vision simulation goggles while engaging in medication management tasks. Students also reflected on their experiences in journals and developed modalities to improve low-vision patients' access to prescription information.

Assessment: Results of a perception survey indicated that students were able to identify and differentiate among various low-vision medication management difficulties. Students' reflections suggested that they recognized the challenges encountered by low-vision patients. All patient assistance project submissions were suitable for the targeted populations and medication management difficulties. Peer review and student feedback of the activities were favorable.

Conclusion: Through this low-vision goggle simulation exercise and other activities, students were able to identify the medication management difficulties encountered by low-vision patients and propose solutions to their drug information access problems.