To design, simulate, and perform a structured patient counselling session for a patient with a chronic lifestyle condition (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)

Object

To design, simulate, and perform a structured patient counselling session for a patient  with a chronic lifestyle condition (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)

Reference:

Requirements:

Mock Pharmacy Counselling Corner, Pharmacist name badge, lab coat, and privacy screen/desk.

Prescription slip / patient case sheet.

Metformin Hydrochloride tablets (500 mg) blister pack / placebo.

Glucometer, test strips, and lancets (for demonstration purposes).

Patient information leaflet (PIL) / educational pamphlet on diabetes management.

Student Pharmacist (Counsellor)

Standardized Patient (Peer acting as a 52-year-old newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patient)

Observer / Evaluator (Faculty or peer assessor)

Theory

Patient counselling is a vital professional responsibility of a clinical and community pharmacist. Chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus require lifelong pharmacotherapy and significant lifestyle modifications.

The GATHER Approach: A standard protocol used during counselling:

• Greet the patient and establish rapport.
• Assess the patient’s baseline knowledge and concerns.
• Tell/Provide accurate medication information (dosage, timing, mechanism).
• Help identify lifestyle barriers and management solutions.
• Explain side effects, safety precautions, and red flags.
• Return and schedule follow-up appointments.

Adherence & Safety: Metformin is the first-line oral hypoglycemic agent. Proper timing (with or immediately after meals) minimizes common gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, mild diarrhea). Teach-back verification ensures the patient comprehends the regimen correctly.

Procedure

1. Rapport Building: Greet the patient, introduce yourself, and obtain consent for counselling.
2. Assess Patient Knowledge: Ask questions to assess the patient’s understanding of the prescribed medicine.
3. Medication Information: Explain the dose of Metformin 500 mg (one tablet twice daily with breakfast and dinner).
4. Side Effects & Precautions: Explain possible stomach upset and precautions for hypoglycemia.
5. Lifestyle Modification: Advise daily walking for 20–30 minutes and reducing sugar intake.
6. Teach-Back Method: Ask the patient to repeat the medication instructions to confirm understanding

 Evaluation (Rubric Checklist)

Evaluation Parameter	Max Marks	Status / Score
Professional Conduct & Setup (Lab coat, desk arrangement, greeting)	2
Assessment & Prime Questioning (Checking baseline knowledge)	2
Drug Information & Posology (Dose, frequency, meal timing)	3
Side Effect Counselling & Safety (GI tolerance, hypoglycemia awareness)	3
Lifestyle Guidance (Diet, exercise recommendations)	2
Communication & Empathy (Active listening, plain language, tone)	4
Teach-Back Verification (Confirming patient comprehension)	4
Total Score	20	/ 20

Result

 

 

 

Example: The patient counseling simulation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was successfully performed. The student pharmacist effectively demonstrated clinical communication skills, delivered accurate medication guidelines for Metformin, managed patient anxiety, and verified comprehension using the teach-back method.