As this was my first time working in a clinical institutional setting, I was not sure of what to expect. At Umass Memorial, the inpatient pharmacy had a very different pace than what I had been used to in outpatient pharmacies. On a daily basis, I observed pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team, working closely alongside physicians, nurses, and various other healthcare professionals. The pharmacists played a critical role in the management of medications for inpatients or residents of healthcare facilities. Their focus was on delivering comprehensive pharmaceutical care, encompassing tasks such as medication therapy management, dosage adjustments, vigilant monitoring for potential drug interactions, and ensuring the safe and effective utilization of medications for patients receiving care within hospitals or institutional settings. However, I couldn't help but notice that direct patient interactions were relatively scarce. The majority of recommendations and counseling occurred through interactions between pharmacists and physicians or nurses, with the information then being relayed to the patients.

As much as I appreciated the seamless and convenient connection that pharmacists maintained with physicians to ensure precise treatment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment regarding the limited direct interaction between patients and pharmacists. Personally, I place a high value on such interactions and envision myself as a pharmacist who thrives on building meaningful connections within my patients in the community. I aspire to engage with patients regarding their concerns and providing tailored guidance. Therefore, as a future pharmacist, I see my calling in the role of an outpatient pharmacist. This path would lead me to work in a community or retail setting, allowing me to serve a diverse array of patients with my primary focus being on the accurate dispensing of medications and the provision of valuable medication-related guidance.

I. Description - Describe the event.

During my initial week of clinical rotations at Umass Memorial, I had the opportunity to participate in an "escape room" project orchestrated by the graduating nursing students at our institution. This unique activity revolved around an SBAR case involving a patient facing respiratory distress, coupled with additional risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and recent breast augmentation surgery, which complicated the patient's situation.

In the escape room scenario, I collaborated with a pharmacy resident, pharmacist, registered nurses, and various other healthcare professionals, with the aim of deciphering the intricate puzzle presented by this patient's case and progressing through the stages. At each stage, we encountered additional health-related questions and obstacles that required resolution in order to devise the optimal solution for the patient's complex situation.

 II. Feelings - Describe the feeling you experienced during this event.

I found this event to be a truly fantastic experience. It provided an enjoyable avenue for active engagement in an educational context, fostering teamwork among healthcare professionals as we tackled the case together.

III. Evaluation - What is your evaluation (positive or negative) of your experience?

My evaluation of the experience was incredibly positive. The nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals with whom I collaborated were exceptionally hospitable. They went out of their way to involve me and encouraged me to share my insights on how we could successfully unravel the puzzle. They appreciated my perspective and thought process, even though I had limited knowledge in the field. This, in itself, boosted my confidence and motivated me to contribute actively to our collective effort in the escape room.

IV. Analysis - Why do you feel this way?

I feel this way because it was great to work in an Interprofessional collaboration. Although the SBAR case we tackled was a simulated scenario, it provided a profound glimpse into what real-world cooperation with healthcare professionals would entail. Our collective effort facilitated the smooth resolution of the puzzle, underscoring the potential to enhance patient outcomes in actual clinical settings through effective teamwork.

V. Conclusion/Action - What actions do you plan to take based on what you learned from this experience?

In my prospective career as a pharmacist, I intend to implement the skills I observed from this experience in my future interprofessional collaborations. These skills will be applied through effective communication, focusing on the well-being of the patient, and working on problem solving effectively with any health care professionals that are on my team trying to solve this puzzle.