The Geriatric Medication Game in pharmacy education -: art. no. 46

Objective. To evaluate whether the Geriatric Medication Game increases understanding, awareness, and empathy towards geriatric patients and the challenges they encounter in our health care system, especially as those challenges relate to medication use. Design. One hundred two students from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy participated in the game and 96 students completed a pretest and posttest questionnaire that assessed their attitudes and experiences. The players were asked to rate the level of emotions they experienced and their awareness of geriatric needs. Assessment. Students' perceptions changed significantly for the majority of the items assessed. Frustration was the highest emotion experienced (median=4). Over 70% of students stated the game increased empathy and understanding toward patients. Conclusion. The Geriatric Medication Game serves as a resource for increasing pharmacy students' awareness of the perceptions and experiences of geriatric patients.