Exploring transformative learning for trainee pharmacists through interprofessional simulation: a constructivist interview study

BACKGROUND: The expanding roles of UK pharmacists have prompted substantial changes to the initial pharmacy education and training, including increasing recognition of the value of learning alongside other professional groups in acute settings. Interprofessional immersive simulation training appears to represent a useful educational tool to meet the evolving needs of the profession, but the impact of such training on workplace behaviour and relationships has not been explored. This study aimed to explore how interprofessional simulation training facilitates transformative learning in pre-registration pharmacists. METHODS: Across three different locations in Scotland, pre-registration pharmacists were paired with medical students to participate in immersive simulation scenarios with post-scenario debriefs. Pre-registration pharmacists were individually interviewed shortly after their simulation session, using a semi-structured interview schedule based on the transformative learning framework. Transcripts were analysed using template analysis, with Mezirow’s phases of perspective transformation forming the initial coding template. RESULTS: Fifteen interviews following five simulation sessions at three different sites were undertaken. Phases 1–6 of the transformative learning framework all resonated with the pre-registration pharmacists to varying degrees. Two prominent threads became evident in the data: a change in participants’ perceptions of risk, and deepened understanding of their role within an acute context. These themes were woven throughout phases 2–6 of the transformative learning framework. CONCLUSIONS: Interprofessional immersive simulation training involving acute clinical scenarios has been found to be helpful for pre-registration pharmacists and can foster transformative learning. Through this powerful process, they developed new ways to see the world, themselves and their professional relationships. Positive future actions and roles were planned. As the patient-facing roles of pharmacists expand, educational practices that translate into meaningful change to workplace behaviour and relationships become increasingly important. Carefully constructed interprofessional immersive simulation training should be utilised within pharmacy education more widely. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41077-021-00180-2.