Embedding innovative, inclusive pedagogies: interdisciplinary simulation to build person centred future skills in pharmacy education

Providing person centred care is a core expectation of pharmacy professionals (GPhC, 2017). Embedding innovative pedagogies like simulation based learning can strengthen students’ empathy and understanding of ageing and disability (Ozdemir et al., 2023), supporting communication behaviours that enhance patient satisfaction, adherence and diagnostic accuracy (Karvelytė et al., 2021). Interdisciplinary workshops for first year MPharm and second year foundation degree students were co designed with a physiotherapist and delivered in Week 1 to build KU Graduate Attributes and Future Skills. Students engaged with simulation tools, including visual impairment glasses, ageing suits, and wheelchairs, before analysing solutions and inclusive approaches. The workshop design drew on inclusive curriculum principles to help students recognise diverse patient needs to deliver equitable care. Learners completed reflective e portfolio entries, and post workshop surveys captured their perspectives. This lightning talk explores students’ learning and reflections on how simulation and interdisciplinary teaching prepare them to interact effectively with patients in a global, diverse healthcare environment.