The Medication History: A Small Group Session on Interviewing a Patient Regarding Medication Use
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Peer reviewed
This 45-60 minute instructional activity is designed for small groups (4-8) of medical trainees to apply basic information learned about taking a medication history. This interactive teaching uses a simulated patient format with the session facilitator playing the role of Mr. Parsec, a patient who is having his medications reviewed at a health fair.
- To take a medication history to gather information regarding: a) the patient's understanding of his medications (indications, dosing and side effects) and b) problems and factors influencing adherence.
- To outline a plan to the patient with steps that can be taken to reduce medication problems and obstacles to adherence.
The students are required to complete three tasks in 45-60 minutes:
- Take a medication history.
- Identify problems with the medication use and formulate a plan to improve medication use.
- Communicate the plan to the patient.
The simulated patient has a number of medical, functional, psychological, social, and economic issues that are impacting his medication use. Students use a worksheet to record their findings. The facilitator completes a performance checklist with problems students identify and recommendations they make. After the three tasks are completed, the facilitator conducts a formative feedback session with the students.