Simulation-based learning versus problem-based learning in an acute care pharmacotherapy course.

Introduction: There is a lack of comparative data with simulation-based learning (SBL) and other types of learning. The objective of the study was to determine whether high-fidelity simulation is superior to problem-based learning (PBL) for training pharmacy students in an acute care elective. Methods: Twenty-nine pharmacy students enrolled in the Acute Care Pharmacotherapy Simulation course over 2 years voluntarily participated in this randomized, crossover study. Students were randomized to group 1 or 2. The SBL group consisted of students in group 1 who had SBL during study week 1 and group 2 students who had SBL in week 2. The PBL group consisted of students in group 1 who had PBL cases during study week 2 and group 2 students who had PBL cases in week 1. The topics covered were management of dysrhythmias (week 1) and heart failure (week 2). Results: The SBL group significantly improved compared with the PBL on postquiz scores. The SBL group performed at least 15% better in the clinical assessment (P = 0.013). Students in the SBL group performed significantly better in their critical thinking skills for problem list, pharmacotherapy plan, and monitoring plan. Conclusions: Learning was enhanced with the use of SBL compared with PBL. (Sim Healthcare 7:162-165, 2012)