Location
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Event Date
3-31-2026
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with Non-English Language Preference (NELP) are at risk for communication barriers and health disparities. Studies have shown that clinicians who receive training on language barriers and interpreter use are more likely to utilize professional interpretation services. Research question or hypothesis: Providing pharmacy students with an opportunity to practice working with an interpreter in a simulation will improve their confidence in this skill. Study design: The objective of the study is to create an innovative simulation lab and describe its impact in the didactic curriculum for pharmacy students to practice communicating with an interpreter. Students participated in a survey before and after their simulated counseling session to help evaluate perceptions of the experience and growth in skills. Methods: Faculty from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy designed a simulation and didactic session on best practices using an interpreter for third-year pharmacy students to learn how to educate a patient with NELP via a virtual medical interpreter. The simulation was a community pharmacy setting in which they were to counsel a patient on a new medication (dulaglutide). Students had 20 minutes for the counseling which included time for debrief at the end. Survey data was collected pre- and post-simulation and assessed. Results: Thirty-two students completed the simulation and surveys. Survey data show that student confidence and understanding of best-practices when working through an interpreter improved through this experience. Students consistently noted the value of being able to gain experience in a learning environment prior to experiential rotations. Conclusion: Communication with patients with NELP is an important skill for pharmacists and should be developed during a student’s professional education. This was a creative simulation lab that gave pharmacy students the opportunity to apply knowledge of best practices and resulted in improved confidence. Identifying local resources was an important factor in implementing this novel simulation.
Included in
Bridging the Language Gap: A Simulated Experience to Teach Communication Using Virtual Interpreters - Encore Presentation
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Introduction: Patients with Non-English Language Preference (NELP) are at risk for communication barriers and health disparities. Studies have shown that clinicians who receive training on language barriers and interpreter use are more likely to utilize professional interpretation services. Research question or hypothesis: Providing pharmacy students with an opportunity to practice working with an interpreter in a simulation will improve their confidence in this skill. Study design: The objective of the study is to create an innovative simulation lab and describe its impact in the didactic curriculum for pharmacy students to practice communicating with an interpreter. Students participated in a survey before and after their simulated counseling session to help evaluate perceptions of the experience and growth in skills. Methods: Faculty from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy designed a simulation and didactic session on best practices using an interpreter for third-year pharmacy students to learn how to educate a patient with NELP via a virtual medical interpreter. The simulation was a community pharmacy setting in which they were to counsel a patient on a new medication (dulaglutide). Students had 20 minutes for the counseling which included time for debrief at the end. Survey data was collected pre- and post-simulation and assessed. Results: Thirty-two students completed the simulation and surveys. Survey data show that student confidence and understanding of best-practices when working through an interpreter improved through this experience. Students consistently noted the value of being able to gain experience in a learning environment prior to experiential rotations. Conclusion: Communication with patients with NELP is an important skill for pharmacists and should be developed during a student’s professional education. This was a creative simulation lab that gave pharmacy students the opportunity to apply knowledge of best practices and resulted in improved confidence. Identifying local resources was an important factor in implementing this novel simulation.