Virtual Pharmacy for Pharmacy Students

Among the array of cutting-edge technologies used in the educational process at ZSMPhU — including the virtual patient “Body Interact,” the virtual laboratory simulator “Labster,” the Anatomage table, and the 3D Ogranon Anatomy VR system for studying anatomy — a new unique technology has been added. This time, it is designed specifically for pharmacy students.

The university has acquired from an Australian manufacturer the “Pharmacy Simulator” — a virtual pharmacy for practicing practical skills by pharmacy students. At the presentation of the new simulator for members of the rectorate, deans of pharmacy faculties, department heads, and faculty members, the program’s capabilities were demonstrated not only for student training but also for knowledge quality assessment.

The “Pharmacy Simulator” virtual technology is based on a dialogue system and includes a variety of case scenarios in two directions: community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy. Notably, the manufacturer specifically added functionality for ZSMPhU to edit existing scenarios and create custom ones, allowing the material to be adapted to local conditions. In this way, instructors working with the pharmacy simulator will be able to add an unlimited number of scenarios.

The university purchased 100 licenses for the technology, which can be installed on any device: computer, tablet, or smartphone. According to the participants of the presentation, gamification technologies allow for an intensified learning process, making it more engaging and dynamic due to the effect of complete immersion.

At the suggestion of ZSMPhU Rector Professor Yuriy Kolesnik, a working group has been established to develop and adapt scenarios so that the new technology can be used during the OSPI (State Final Practical Examination for Graduates) for graduates.