Implementation of a Communication Skills Laboratory

Objectives: To describe a Communication Skills Laboratory and assess student performance, ability to meet North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) blueprint competency statements, and student confidence in communication-related patient care activities. Design: Essential elements of pharmacist communication, Counseling, Drug Information, and Written Documentation, were incorporated into a Communication Lab. Student performance was assessed using grading rubrics and scores. A student survey assessed how effectively the curricula met the NAPLEX blueprint objectives and perceptions of confidence in performing communication tasks. Assessment: Performance, assessed via student grades, improved significantly in the three main activities of the lab (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). Pre- and post-laboratory surveys were completed by 89% and 87% of students, respectively. Students mean scores assessing the curriculums ability to meet NAPLEX competencies increased significantly from 3.40 to 3.80. Mean score in confidence rating increased significantly from 2.83 to 3.75. Conclusion: A Communication Skills Laboratory improved student performance, met NAPLEX competencies, and increased self-rating in confidence in patient care activities involving communication. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.