Assessing Implementation of Cultural Competency Content in the Curricula of Colleges of Pharmacy in the United States and Canada

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the presence of curricular and organizational content related to cultural competency within colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Canada. Methods. Curriculum committee chairs (n 5 87) and student leaders (n 5 54) in colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Canada were surveyed via an e-mailed assessment tool. Results. Forty-nine (56.3%) curriculum committee chairs and 27 (50%) student leaders returned usable responses. Respondents reported that cultural competency was mentioned in 61.2% of their mission statements, and half had made curricular changes with respect to diversity within the past 5 years. Almost 94% felt the necessity to add cultural competency topics to required courses in the curriculum, and 42.9% wanted to add a course specific to cultural competency into the curriculum. Conclusion. Curriculum committee chairs recognize the need to add curricular content related to cultural competency, but not all of the respondents have implemented changes in their college's curriculum.

A Nutrition Journal and Diabetes Shopping Experience to Improve Pharmacy Students' Empathy and Cultural Competence

“…In a survey designed to assess cultural competency in the curricula of US and Canadian schools and colleges of pharmacy, 51% of respondents reported that changes had been made to the curriculum in the past 5 years to reflect diversity perspectives. 6 Examples of these changes included adding didactic and case-based activities related to cultural competence into courses, preparing students for diversity in experiential activities, and placing greater emphasis on cultural competency in communications courses. 6 Other activities that have been incorporated into pharmacy curricula include simulation games and book clubs.…”

“…6 Examples of these changes included adding didactic and case-based activities related to cultural competence into courses, preparing students for diversity in experiential activities, and placing greater emphasis on cultural competency in communications courses. 6 Other activities that have been incorporated into pharmacy curricula include simulation games and book clubs. 7 Coursework focusing on health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention also has made its way into pharmacy curricula.…”

Clinical Cultural Competency and Knowledge of Health Disparities Among Pharmacy Students

“…18 It is not clear how much pharmacy education reflects this need or how prepared students are to provide care across the US cultural spectrum. [19][20][21] Some studies, however, have demonstrated an improvement in the level of cultural competency among pharmacy students following relevant educational training. [22][23][24][25][26][27] The long-term goal of the colleges of pharmacy at the University of Florida (UFL) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) is to foster a pharmacy curriculum that will prepare pharmacists who can effectively provide culturally competent care to all patients to ensure health equity.…”

A Cultural Competency Course for Pharmacy Students

“…'' 4 A survey assessing cultural competency content in the curricula found that many schools recognize the need to add curricular content but have not implemented it. 5 There have also been reports that have highlighted the effects of elective coursework to enhance cultural competency. [6][7][8][9] The need for cultural competency also is consistent with the goals of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Pharmacy.…”