Using a Polypharmacy Simulation Exercise to Increase Empathy in Pharmacy Students.

Objective. To assess whether the Jellybean Polypharmacy Simulation Exercise (JPSE) improved empathy in pharmacy students. Methods. The JPSE was given to all third-professional year pharmacy students in a required Special Populations course with pre- and post-scores on the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES) assessed, and open-ended questions on lessons learned from the exercise. Results. Pharmacy students showed a statistically significant increase in KCES scores after completing the JPSE. Open-ended question responses reflected personal growth and appreciation for patients managing difficult medication regimens. Conclusion. This polypharmacy simulation showed the ability to increase empathy in pharmacy students, as well as mimic a realistic experience in managing a multi-drug, multi-dose medication regimen.