Who killed Mr. Brown? A hospital murder mystery in a pharmacy skills course

Abstract

Purpose To improve critical thinking skills and enhance team dynamics, a pilot study for inclusion of a murder mystery activity within the pharmacy practice skills laboratory was designed for student pharmacists. Methods In groups, students participated in a murder mystery activity and were assessed via rubrics to critically evaluate potential reasons for a patient’s death and find solutions for process improvements. Through an optional survey, students were asked about their group’s ability to work as part of a healthcare team, which included identification of conflict management techniques. Faculty used an inductive coding process on student feedback to identify strengths and opportunities for growth. Results All groups successfully completed the patient’s cause of death and root cause analysis. Overall, students agreed their teams worked well together in solving this mystery. Communication was found to be both a strength and a weakness among group members and many students were able to self-identify conflict management strategies that were utilized during the activities. Conclusion Use of a murder mystery activity in a pharmacy skills laboratory is a unique approach to foster development of critical thinking skills and highlights the complexity with which a healthcare team must operate together to provide patient care.