Open AccessA systematic review of the use of simulated patient methodology in pharmacy practice research from 2006 to 2016
Author(s) -
Björnsdottir Ingunn,
Granas Anne Gerd,
Bradley Amanda,
Norris Pauline
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of pharmacy practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.42
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 2042-7174
pISSN - 0961-7671
DOI - 10.1111/ijpp.12570
Subject(s) - medicine , pharmacy , medline , psychological intervention , medical prescription , family medicine , pharmacy practice , medical education , systematic review , nursing , political science , law
Objectives Simulated patient ( SP ) methodology (mystery shopping) is used increasingly to assess quality of pharmacy services, and evaluate impact of interventions. Our objective was to review papers reporting on the use of SP methodology in pharmacy practice research 2006–2016 in community pharmacies worldwide. Methods We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE for papers reporting on the use of mystery shopping in pharmacy settings, using a wide range of terms for SP s, based on previous review. We removed irrelevant papers, duplicates, papers not written in English, and review papers and reviewed remaining papers. Two reviewers carried out data abstraction, using the same tool as the previous review and inserting data into Excel, focusing on how the SP methodology is used. Key findings A total of 148 papers from 52 countries from all regions of the world were included in the review. A wide range of terms described the method, and simulated patient was the most common (49 papers). Most studies were cross‐sectional (124), and most investigated only community pharmacies (115). The most common aim was to evaluate some aspect of pharmacists’ or other staff's advice and counselling (94). Number of visits is 2‐7785. Many papers did not cover details, such as number of visits planned, and carried out, scenario used, training and background of SP s, and ethical approval for the study. Conclusions The use of SP methodology has increased substantially in the field of pharmacy over the past decade. This is a useful method in a wide range of countries and settings. Greater detail is required in reporting.