Abstract
BackgroundAn animated, video-based, virtual patient (VP) has been developed to allow pharmacists to learn how, and practice how, to advise patients taking non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants, a group of high-risk medicines. VPs are well-established resources but have historically only been accessed within specific online teaching sessions or at university sites; this new VP represents a mobile design that can be accessed from anywhere. ObjectiveTo investigate the usability and acceptability of the VP application with a focus on exploring perspectives on accessibility. MethodsThe study used an exploratory sequential mixed method design consisting of a satisfaction survey and interviews. Survey data were analysed descriptively to assess satisfaction with the application and to identify interview discussion areas. Interview data were analysed using the Framework Approach to thematic analysis. Participants were hospital or community pharmacists, or pre-registration pharmacists. ResultsA total of 94 survey responses were collected and 22 respondents went on to take part in an interview. Participants reported liking the concept and delivery of the VP, particularly the high-quality technology. They also reported finding it usable, and appeared to favour its mobility and accessibility, particularly as the VP can be used on any internet accessible device, including mobile phones, with no specific requirements. Amendments that were suggested included quickening the delivery of some animations and improving navigation within the application, possibly through a button to return to the previous step should a mistake be made. ConclusionsThe mobile VP appeared to be functional and usable, with the majority of users reporting satisfaction with use across a range of devices. Users reported positively about the VP's remote access, but navigation around the application requires development.
Highlights
virtual patient (VP) have been defined in various ways, which is reflective of their many uses, as there are various ways of designing them and VP technology can incorporate various modalities such as animation, voice recognition and video technology.[7]
For clarity, the following definition of VP was adopted in this study8,9: “A virtual patient is an interactive computer simulation of a computer programmable patient in a real-life clinical scenario for the purpose of medical training, education, or assessment that will respond to learner decisions.”
In this study the VP was developed to be mobile and widely accessible for use in education and training courses or for individuals to use as part of their continuing professional development (CPD)
Summary
Virtual patient (VP) technology is an evolving method of simulation that has benefits in delivering remote experiential learning across health professions.[1,2,3] Good user satisfaction has been reported in previous studies that have evaluated both older and newer types of VP technologies.[4,5,6] VPs have been defined in various ways, which is reflective of their many uses, as there are various ways of designing them and VP technology can incorporate various modalities such as animation, voice recognition and video technology.[7]. Survey data were analysed descriptively to assess satisfaction with the application and to identify interview discussion areas. Participants reported liking the concept and delivery of the VP, the high-quality technology. They reported finding it usable, and appeared to favour its mobility and accessibility, as the VP can be used on any internet accessible device, including mobile phones, with no specific requirements. Users reported positively about the VP's remote access, but navigation around the application requires development
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