@article{SH_L_RM_VD_2017, title={Transition in pharmacology: From theoretical knowledge of medicines to practice-oriented approach. Do role-plays help?}, volume={5}, url={https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/540}, DOI={10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20162466}, abstractNote={<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pharmacology, a subject criticized by medicos as ‘dry and volatile’ is in a stage of constant reformation. Traditional teaching-learning in pharmacology has focused more on theoretical knowledge of medicines with little emphasis on the art and science of communicating the same to patients in actual practice. Role-play is one novel method which attracts learners to gain knowledge through concrete experience, there-by bringing in a behavioural change that persists eventually. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of role-play as an educational tool in teaching patient education and counseling skills regarding medications prescription for ischemic heart disease (IHD).</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A quantitative, randomized, interventional study with pre & post-OSPE using a pre-validated checklist (modified-Calgary-Cambridge) was conducted in 84, II-MBBS students. The scores obtained in intervention group (Lecture-IHD counseling + Role-play) were compared with the control group (Lecture) using Wilcoxon test for paired-data and Mann-Whitney test for inter-group comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Paired-data analysis showed an increase in post-test mean scores in both control and intervention groups following training. However, inter-group comparisons revealed statistically significant improvement in 8 of the 13 parameters in intervention group. Students in intervention group stressed more on pharmacological aspects of medications, along with emergency measures and need for follow-up. Hence it can be said that role-plays played a significant role in improving communication skills regarding medications prescription.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Medical communication skills course for II-MBBS students may enable them to demonstrate better patient-doctor interactions. Role-plays are an effective tool to acquire technical and behavioural skills to deal with real-life situations through simulation.</p>}, number={4}, journal={International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology}, author={SH, Lavanya and L, Kalpana and RM, Veena and VD, Bharath Kumar}, year={2017}, month={Jan.}, pages={1528–1532} }