Patients' experience of educating pharmacy undergraduate students

To  work  effectively  as a pharmacist,  it  is  vital  to  have  clinical  skills  to  identify and  solve  pharmaceutical  care  issues; undergraduates therefore need to learn and practice clinical skills. To achieve this aim, a patient focused education programme has been developed at the School of Pharmacy, University of  London.  The  aim  of this research project was to explore patients' experiences of teaching pharmacy undergraduates.Seventeen patients were interviewed and the first 14 were analysed. Patients saw their involvement with pharmacy students as a way of “investing in the future” by creating pharmacists who were patient-focused. Patients also provided students with an expert view” of their illnesses. Helping to teach students was seen as a way to repay the National Health Service (NHS).Patients  benefited  as they gained knowledge about their  illnesses, their medicines and they were more questioning  of healthcare professionals. Sessions enhanced self esteem and confidence, enabling them to air their feelings and opinions regarding their illnesses and relieved loneliness.