Advancing empathy and emotional intelligence among pharmacy students: A comparative mixed-methods study with peer role-play simulation intervention

Introduction: Due to the significance of interpersonal empathy and emotional intelligence in pharmaceutical practices, it has become essential to emphasize its importance in pharmacy education. The aim of this study is to provide pharmacy students, who require proper communication skills throughout their professional careers, with a simulation -based intervention focusing on empathy and emotional intelligence, and to evaluate the influence of this educational intervention on emotional intelligence and empathy levels. Methods: The methodological approach adopted in this study aims to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data for a comprehensive analysis, that is, the mixed method, and to provide indepth answers to the research questions. Results: There was a difference observed in the change in empathy and emotional intelligence scores between the control and intervention groups. When the pre-test and mid -test results with the intervention group were analyzed, there was a difference in the values for emotional intelligence when only education was offered. Conversely, no difference was found in empathy scores under the same conditions. In the intervention group, after the implementation of both training and simulation practice resulted in a difference in the scores for emotional intelligence and empathy when comparing the results before and after the test. Gender and the interaction between gender and group had small effect sizes on both empathy and emotional intelligence. The comprehensive data collected from these interviews enabled a rigorous thematic analysis, culminating in the identification of three primary themes accompanied by respective categories: the contribution of theoretical education to simulation, perceptions of simulation practice, the significance of debriefing sessions. Students highlighted the development of various communication skills, such as improving patient -provider relationships, conveying empathy to patients, being aware of and managing their emotions, and building self-confidence through simulated encounters and debriefing sessions. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is recommended that simulation methods be made mandatory in pharmacy school curricula and be disseminated nationwide.