Enhancing Cultural Competency in a College of Pharmacy Curriculum

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the pedagogies used in the University of Minnesota pharmacy curriculum to improve students' abilities to provide culturally competent care to patients. A cultural competency curriculum was introduced in fall 2003 that included a variety of pedagogies: a small group activity, case discussions, BaFa' BaFa' cultural simulation game, and the reading and discussion of cultural narratives. Most activities were associated with a reflective writing assignment. In addition, preintervention survey instruments were administered to 52 entering first-professional year PharmD students in fall 2003, with 48 postintervention survey instruments administered in spring 2004, followed by evaluation of the survey findings. Based on survey results and analysis of reflective papers, students gained an appreciation for the importance of acknowledging cultural differences and understanding how to overcome the barriers that these differences present. Using a variety of effective pedagogies, pharmacy students were able to demonstrate increased understanding of and ability to provide culturally competent care.

A Comparison of Educational Interventions to Enhance Cultural Competency in Pharmacy Students

“…Some institutions have described and evaluated culturally relevant activities, such as lectures, case-based assessments, simulated and/or standardized patient activities; guest lecturers from various cultural, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and spiritual backgrounds; and other active-learning techniques. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] Activities such as these could be threaded throughout the degree program. [25][26][27] Additionally, the option of a required IPPE/ APPE may provide further opportunities to enhance cultural competency.…”

“…There are multiple descriptions of cultural competency education and awareness in individual courses, throughout several courses, and in introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs/APPEs). [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Some colleges and schools of pharmacy have elected to integrate cultural competency content throughout the entire PharmD curriculum. [25][26][27] Activities have included assigned readings, classroom lectures, documentaries, case discussions, and portfolio reflections.…”

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

“…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. In response to a 2007 survey, 16 colleges and schools of pharmacy reported offering course content on nutrition, smoking cessation, weight loss, alcohol use, or a combination of these topics in required courses or elective courses.…”

Cultural Competence Knowledge and Confidence After Classroom Activities

“…18 Mansi et al used a role-play exercise to determine the influence of an educational intervention on pharmacy students' cultural disposition and perceived communication skills. 19 Evans 20 and Westberg et al 21 also evaluated an elective course on cultural competence for pharmacy students. Both studies 20,21 used similar assessment techniques such as in-class assignments, small group discussions, and guest speakers.…”

“…Survey items were adapted from the literature available on cultural competence in pharmacy curricula. [18][19][20][21]23 Content validity for the questionnaire was provided by pharmacy faculty members experienced in the field of cultural competence.The 8 questions in section 1 of the questionnaire assessed the pharmacy student's cultural competence knowledge. The 6 questions in section 2 rated the student's ability to understand and effectively use patient counseling models/methods for eliciting patients' illness experiences.…”