Development of an integrated pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory on suspension dosage formulations with a pharmacist role-play in patient counselling, supply, and product recall

Background: An educational activity was developed that combines a pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory with pharmacist role-play. Methods: Students prepared three paracetamol suspension formulations, then measured and drew conclusions on the stability of each formulation when select ingredients were omitted. Each student then undertook a role-play where they were required to counsel a parent requesting paracetamol for their child, supply the medicine, and then undertake a recall of the product and explain why it was recalled. Students’ knowledge was tested through four multiple choice questions in their end of semester exam. Results: Collectively, the students’ results demonstrated that removing viscosity-enhancing ingredients from the formulations caused the particles to settle faster. For the role-play exercise, just over half of the students made at least one mistake, with some supplying the wrong medicine or recommending the wrong dose. The exam results showed students understood the role and impact of key ingredients in a suspension formulation and could make general over-the-counter supply recommendations based on the scenario of the role play. Conclusion: This integrated laboratory-based counselling activity is a way to integrate pharmaceutical chemistry with practice which allows students to apply scientific knowledge in the context of supplying an over-the-counter medicine.