A systematic review of the use of simulated patients and pharmacy practice research

摘要: Objective The use of simulated patients to assess current practice, or derive outcome measures for pharmacy practice research, has received much attention in recent years. A patient is an individual who trained visit a enact scenario testing specific behaviour the pharmacist staff. aim this study was provide definitive review as methodological tool research. Method systematic undertaken identify all studies that had used methodology. electronic databases searched relevant were MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Articles fulfilling following criteria considered inclusion review: primary reports trials conducted community drug store settings which measures. not restricted by language country. publications from 1976 May 2005. Key findings In total, 56 full retrieved further examination, 46 included review, including: nine randomised controlled trials, three 30 cross-sectional, two time-series ‘other’ studies. Ten excluded: seven reviews, one laboratory-based study, telephone survey presented only abstract. Conclusions There been steady growth methodology over past Although have negative pharmaceutical media, they can be rigorous robust method measuring if appropriately. This demonstrates range activities used, including assessment counselling advice provision, treatment minor major illness, public health Simulated developing countries similar, greater extent, than developed world, demonstrating its versatility applicability research globally.