Abstract:

Specialty pharmaceuticals (SPs) are distinguished by their need for intensive clinical monitoring to manage side effects, specialized training for handling and administration, and/or frequent dosage adjustments. These characteristics, while necessary, make them more complex than traditional drugs, posing significant challenges for patients. Proper instruction from pharmacists is crucial, as inappropriate use of SPs can lead to adverse health outcomes, suboptimal therapeutic results, and inefficient use of healthcare resources.

To address this, pharmacy students must acquire both comprehensive knowledge of these products and the communication skills needed to effectively convey this information to patients. This study aimed to enhance the teaching and learning process in the subject of Pharmaceutical Care by using 2D virtual animations to demonstrate the correct handling of SPs. Digital content showcasing the steps for using insulin prefilled pens was developed and presented during lessons. The method's effectiveness was evaluated by comparing students' perceptions of their acquired knowledge with those following traditional teaching approaches.

Results revealed that students who engaged with the virtual content reported higher confidence and understanding in key areas, including preparing a new needle, performing insulin flow tests, adjusting doses, and removing the needle after injection. These audiovisual animations not only improved knowledge acquisition but also demonstrated their potential application across various university courses. This innovative approach fosters greater motivation and engagement among students, offering a practical and effective tool for university education.

Keywords:

Specialty pharmaceuticals, virtual animation, healthcare, Pharmacy Education, teaching innovation.