Patients' experience of educating pharmacy undergraduate students

To work effectively as a pharmacist, it is vital to have clinical skills to identify and solve pharmaceutical care issues; undergraduates therefore need to learn and practice clinical skills. To achieve this aim, a patient focused education programme has been developed at the School of Pharmacy, University of London. The aim of this research project was to explore patients' experiences of teaching pharmacy undergraduates. Seventeen patients were interviewed and the first 14 were analysed. Patients saw their involvement with pharmacy students as a way of "investing in the future" by creating pharmacists who were patient-focused. Patients also provided students with an "expert view" of their illnesses. Helping to teach students was seen as a way to repay the National Health Service (NHS). Patients benefited as they gained knowledge about their illnesses, their medicines and they were more questioning of healthcare professionals. Sessions enhanced self esteem and confidence, enabling them to air their feelings and opinions regarding their illnesses and relieved loneliness.