Background: Medication management in older adults is challenging due to polypharmacy, altered pharmacokinetics, and the risk of adverse drug events. Enhancing medical students' knowledge and confidence in safe prescribing for older patients is essential.
Aim: To improve medical student confidence and knowledge in the quality use and management of medications in older adults through an interdisciplinary pharmacist-led interactive simulation session.
Method: A Brown Bag Medication Review (BBMR) session was developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and integrated into the Aged Care and Rehabilitation module of the UNSW Medicine Program in 2023. Pre and post-session surveys assessed student confidence in four domains: medication reconciliation, identifying errors, recognising medication challenges, and deprescribing/simplification strategies. Students participated in role-plays, reviewing simulated patient medication regimens and discussing key geriatric medication management areas. Self-efficacy was measured on a Likert scale, with 4 or 5 indicating confidence.
Results: Twenty-six students participated across three clinical blocks, all completing pre/post session surveys. None reported confidence in any of the domain pre-session. Post-session, confidence significantly increased across all domains: medication reconciliation 58%, error identification 58%, recognising medication challenges 81%, and deprescribing/simplification 54% (P <0.001).
Conclusion: The BBMR session provided a cost-effective, immersive learning experience that significantly improved medical students' confidence and competence in medication management for older adults. Integrating pharmacist-led interactive teaching enhances doctors’ preparedness for clinical practice, ensuring safer medication use in this vulnerable population.