The benefits of simulation-based learning in improving knowledge and safety practices related to the preparation of cytotoxic drugs among pharmacy students

Context: Preparing cytotoxic drugs poses serious safety risks for pharmacy technicians. Lack of knowledge regarding proper preparation techniques can lead to occupational exposure risks and therapeutic errors. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a first-time simulation session integrated into pharmaceutical studies in Morocco on third-year pharmacy students' knowledge of good practices for preparing cytotoxic drugs. Method: A simulation session was conducted with 39 students. The session comprised three stages: briefing, scenario, and debriefing. The scenario consisted of four stations, ranging from pharmaceutical validation to shipment of the preparation. Students were given a questionnaire before and after the simulation session to assess their knowledge. The percentage of correct answers was compared. Results: A significant improvement in knowledge was observed for all items. The average percentage of correct answers increased from 48.2% in the pretest to 87.6% in the posttest (p < 0.001). The most significant progress was made in pharmaceutical validation of the chemotherapy protocol (increasing from 44% to 86%), identification of preparation equipment (increasing from 47% to 88%), labeling rules (increasing from 41% to 89%), dressing rules (increasing from 38% to 84%), and disposal of cytotoxic waste (increasing from 45% to 87%). Conclusion: Simulation is an effective teaching tool that pharmacy educators can use to rapidly and sustainably improve pharmacy students' knowledge of safe cytotoxic preparation and other hospital pharmacy-related topics.