In this episode of the Pharmacy View Podcast’s Rx to Riches stream, international host Michael Alexander, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, digital health enthusiast, Co-Founder of Audirie, and the Regional Vice-President of Health Plans at Omada Health, interviews Kerri Barwick, GM of Education & Training at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). In this episode, Kerri sheds light on the revolutionary AI-powered training simulation platform Audirie and its transformative impact on Pharmacy education. This episode delves into the journey of integrating AI into training, the challenges faced, and the remarkable benefits observed, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of Pharmacy training and education. Join us as we explore how Audirie is setting new standards in the industry and hear Kerri’s insights on the upcoming PSA National Conference and its focus on “Pathways to Progress.”
Kerri delves into the innovative launch of Audirie, an AI-powered training simulation platform designed to enhance performance evidence in Community Pharmacy Training. This world-first initiative allows for realistic customer interactions, surpassing traditional methods like written evidence and phone simulations. It not only meets compliance requirements but also offers invaluable feedback for learners, marking a significant advancement in pharmacy education.
Kerri discusses the numerous advantages of the AI-powered training tool, Audirie, in enhancing Pharmacy education. They emphasize that the tool provides objective and constructive feedback, significantly improving Pharmacists’ communication and counseling skills. While technical knowledge remains crucial, effective communication can greatly enhance patient interactions and overall professional satisfaction. The potential for Audirie to standardize training and boost confidence among Pharmacy interns is highlighted, leading to improved patient care and professional development.
Kerri also addresses the challenges and benefits of preceptor training in Pharmacy education. Despite PSA offering accredited preceptor training, it remains non-mandatory, resulting in many preceptors lacking formal teaching skills, which impacts the quality of intern training. Kerri underscores the value of AI-powered tools like Audirie in providing objective feedback, enhancing communication skills, and boosting confidence among pharmacy interns. They share personal experiences, noting the advantages of having clear, recorded assessments over subjective feedback, which can significantly enhance the learning experience.
Addressing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding AI in Pharmacy training, Kerri explains that some resistance stems from a lack of understanding of AI technology, particularly its ability to handle dynamic and natural conversations. Despite initial awkwardness, AI avatars have proven to be highly responsive and capable of managing complex scenarios and varied interactions. Kerri emphasizes the importance of continuous testing to fully understand AI’s capabilities and benefits in educational settings, encouraging organizations to embrace this technology.
In the final segment, Kerri offers advice to organizations considering AI-powered training solutions, stressing the importance of setting realistic timeframes and recognizing the technology’s vast potential. They also preview the upcoming PSA conference, highlighting its theme “Pathways to Progress” and the exciting range of sessions and networking opportunities. Kerri emphasizes the value of connecting with peers and gaining inspiration from the event to rejuvenate one’s passion for the Pharmacy profession, encouraging attendees to engage fully in this transformative experience.
Note: Find Part One of the conversation here: https://pharmacyview.com.au/2024/evolving-roles-how-pharmacists-are-meeting-new-challenges/
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Kerri Barwick and Audirie
- Motivation for Integrating AI in Training
- Benefits of AI-Powered Training
- Preceptor Training Challenges and Solutions
- Overcoming Resistance to AI in Pharmacy Training
- Advice for Implementing AI-Powered Training
- Preview of the Upcoming PSA Conference
Key Quotes (Time Stamps)
- “For us as an RTO, we’re constantly having to review our compliance, validate our assessment tools, and make sure that everything meets certain standards. There are very high standards for us to meet.” (3:24 – 3:36)
- “In our Community Pharmacy Training Program, so, Certificate III Community Pharmacy, it’s quite hard to gather what’s called performance evidence. So, there are two types of evidence that we need to meet: the evidence requirements for knowledge and performance.” (3:37 – 3:55)
- “It’s very hard to give constructive feedback, particularly from Pharmacist to Pharmacist around their communication. And in our profession, particularly as the scope is expanding, the communication skills are absolutely critical.” (8:21 – 8:36)
- “For Pharmacists to be able to get that level of feedback on how they are counseling a patient and the level of empathy and the level of commitment that they’re getting from somebody, I think of it from purely a professional development perspective, and it’s just got so much value. “(9:00 – 9:21)
- “If we can improve the way we deliver that message and we’re feeling heard and respected for the advice we’re giving, we have a much better professional satisfaction in in doing that job. And I think this is a way to help people get there and help deliver that information in a way that it will be heard, it’s much nicer at the end of the day to think you are making a difference to people’s health and their health outcomes by passing on the knowledge that you have in the appropriate way.” (12:31 – 13:05)
- “I’m hoping that it will be a really nice byproduct of this training—that Pharmacists will have a high level of satisfaction because they are feeling heard.” (13:05 – 13:17)
- “It does mean that, unfortunately, we do have interns who are with preceptors who don’t have the skills to guide them through that year to help them be the best Pharmacists at the end of that year. So, I know we’ve got our Intern Training Program, and that gives you some really important tools to help with some of the trustable activities and case-based discussion scenarios and things, but it really still very much heavily relies on who you’re there with day in and day out to help give you that feedback and help you become better when some of them are, maybe not even doing it that well themselves, particularly the counseling side of things. ” (16:17 – 16:58)
- “The most important part of our job is that connection with the patient and that communication side of things. So, I think it will be beneficial, and interns are going to love it.” (17:08 – 17:22)
- “My advice would also be: don’t underestimate the value, and what it can do. So, if you don’t know much about it, you might, I think, be very surprised at the capabilities.” (27:01 – 27:14)
- “Networking and connecting with your peers is so valuable in these conferences. Particularly Community Pharmacy can feel really isolating, like you’re the only person coming up against all of these hurdles and problems and feelings that you’re having when working day-to-day. To get out of that environment for a couple of days with the top people of your profession—it is so really inspiring and reinvigorating.” (29:03 – 29:33)
- “It’s really valuable just to step away from your day-to-day because it is a really, really demanding job; and spend that time on yourself to not only update your education but also make those connections and feel inspired to be a Pharmacist again because it’s a really great profession.” (29:41 – 30:02)
Social Media Clips (Time Stamps)
- The Future of Pharmacy Training is Here: Discover Audirie with Kerri Barwick (2:37 – 7:45)
- Boosting Confidence and Skills: Audirie’s Role in Modern Pharmacy Education (7:46 – 15:42)
- Why Effective Preceptor Training is Crucial and How AI Can Help (15:43 – 21:14)
- AI in Pharmacy Training: Overcoming Misconceptions and Embracing the Future (21:15 – 26:40)
- PSA Conference 2024: What to Expect from the Premier Pharmacy Event of the Year (26:41 – 30:25)
Useful Links
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) | LinkedIn
